Latest news with #MemberStateAuditScheme
Shafaq News
14-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq deposits Load Lines Convention, completing ratification of maritime protocols
Shafaq News/ Iraq has deposited its ratification of the Load Lines Convention with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), completing its accession to all recognized maritime agreements and protocols, the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) said on Friday. "Iraq has deposited the Load Lines Convention with the IMO, reaffirming its commitment to international standards," Farhan Al-Fartousi, the company's director general, told Shafaq News. "This step means Iraq has now ratified all agreements and protocols mandated under the organization's mandatory audit scheme for member states." According to Al-Fartousi, Baghdad is also set to undergo the IMO's mandatory audit (IMSAS) in November. During this audit, experts from the organization will assess the country's compliance with international maritime conventions. "The audit aims to reinstate Iraq on the IMO's whitelist of compliant member states, enhancing its global standing and demonstrating its full commitment to environmental and maritime objectives," he said. On Feb. 11, Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that as part of ongoing efforts by the Embassy in the UK and the Maritime Attaché, Iraq's Permanent Mission to the IMO has deposited the 1966 Load Lines Convention and its 1988 Protocol with the IMO Secretariat, following the completion of legislative procedures. Over the past two years, Iraq has ratified eighteen maritime conventions and protocols, with the latest being the 1966 Load Lines Convention. In addition, several workshops and training programs have been organized for experts from relevant maritime authorities. With this, Iraq has finalized its accession to all key maritime agreements in preparation for the mandatory IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) scheduled for November. The audit will assess Iraq's maritime sector under the supervision of IMO experts, as part of efforts to reinstate Iraq on the IMO's White List of compliant member states.
Shafaq News
13-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq achieves historic milestone with first IMO certified auditor
Shafaq News/ Iraq has secured an achievement in maritime regulation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) officially recognizing an Iraqi auditor for the first time. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director-General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, told Shafaq News on Wednesday that the IMO has certified Captain Zain Al-Abidin Adel Abdul Munim as an accredited auditor under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). "This is an unprecedented achievement in Iraq's history," Al-Fartousi said. "The relentless efforts of the company's administration have led to the IMO's acceptance of an Iraqi maritime expert as an IMSAS-certified auditor, a first for the Ministry of Transport and Iraq's ports sector." Boosting Iraq's Compliance with Global Maritime Standards The certification is expected to significantly aid Iraq in preparing for an upcoming mandatory IMO audit, ensuring that its ports and maritime sector comply with international regulations. "This will help Iraq navigate the IMO's compulsory audit process and enhance our ability to meet its requirements," Al-Fartousi noted. "It is a major step forward in aligning Iraq's ports with international safety and security standards." The development is seen as a crucial advancement in Iraq's efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure, improve port operations, and bolster global confidence in its compliance with international maritime regulations. What is IMSAS? The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) is a comprehensive evaluation program that assesses how effectively IMO member states implement international maritime conventions. The audit covers areas such as maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and regulatory enforcement. By having an IMO-certified auditor, Iraq is now better positioned to streamline regulatory processes, improve maritime governance, and ensure adherence to global safety protocols, a move that could enhance trade and shipping efficiency across the country's ports.
