The UAE participates in the meetings of the Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organization

The United Arab Emirates participated in the meetings of the Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organization in its fiftieth session, which was held in London, with the participation of member states and relevant international organizations, in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the State to the International Maritime Organization, Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

This comes within the framework of the state’s keenness to enhance its effective role in developing the global maritime transport system, and to support international efforts aimed at raising the efficiency of maritime operations and enhancing their security and sustainability.

During the meetings, His Excellency Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi stressed the importance of enhancing the security and safety of maritime navigation, in light of the challenges taking place in the region, welcoming the steps taken by the Committee in confirmation of the announcement of the International Maritime Organization Council at its thirty-sixth special session.

In turn, the Committee expressed its concern about the impact of attacks targeting commercial ships, and the resulting repercussions on international maritime traffic and the safety of sailors, calling for continued cooperation with the parties concerned, and taking the necessary measures to develop a framework that enhances navigation security, in addition to providing periodic updates to member states on developments in the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of ​​Oman, and the Arabian Gulf region, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings.

Regarding the development of the facilitation agreement, the committee approved two proposals submitted by the UAE, based on the experiences gained during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included facilitating procedures for changing ship crews, enhancing the provision of vaccinations within national programs, in addition to ensuring access to medical care during health emergencies with an international dimension, as well as harmonizing the global health regulations issued by the World Health Organization with the provisions of the agreement.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Kaabi headed the work team preparing the committee’s draft decision regarding guidelines to prevent intruders from entering ships, and distributing responsibilities to address these issues. He also participated in reviewing the road map for autonomous surface ships, which falls within the committee’s competencies.

The UAE also participated in submitting a proposal to prepare a non-mandatory code on maritime cybersecurity, as the committee approved the proposal, with the involvement of the relevant technical committees.