Above image is used for illustration purposes only / Credit: EMSA

EMSA extends its quality management system

EMSA’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements were expanded in order to include the Maritime Security visits to member states and the Horizontal Analysis of the findings after a cycle of visits. The extended V&I QMS was successfully re-certified in December, outlining management commitment for effective use of ISO Standards as a benchmark of the performance.

Mainly, EMSA has certified a Quality Management System that focuses on

• Visits to Member States on behalf of the European Commission and in accordance with the methodology established by the Administrative Board;
• Inspections of Recognized Organizations, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organizations;
• Inspections on behalf of the European Commission regarding the training and certification of seafarers in third countries in accordance with Directive 2008/106/EC;

In addition, EMSA also certified the QMS concerning visits to member states and the inspection of Recognized Organizations and non-EU country compliance with STCW requirements (V&I QMS) since 2016.

Concluding, the European Union on December 2018 adopted its position on a proposal to simplify and streamline the existing EU regulatory framework on seafarers’ training and certification. The aim is to keep EU rules aligned with international rules.

Source: SAFETY4SEA