More than 70 delegates from the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions gathered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 24 to 28 February for a joint seminar focused on improving maritime safety.
The event brought together representatives from Australia and signatory nations of the Tokyo MoU (Asia-Pacific) and the Indian Ocean MoU on port State control (PSC). Discussions centered on strengthening collaboration, enhancing ship inspection guidelines, and improving overall safety in the shipping industry.
Key figures, including Tokyo MoU secretary Hideo Kubota and Indian Ocean MoU secretary Achintya Bikash Dutta, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach.
Dutta highlighted the introduction of a structured training program on fishing vessel inspections as a significant step forward, with another session planned in the coming weeks.
The seminar also featured workshops, presentations, and activities, with contributions from AMSA Head of Inspections Bruce Whitby and Caribbean MoU secretary general Jodi Munn Barrow, stressing the importance of international cooperation in PSC regulations.
Shipping is truly international, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis,
… Whitby noted.
A notable aspect of the event was its focus on celebrating women in maritime, with nearly half of the presenters being women.
