London: The UAE actively participated in the 50th session of the Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a gathering that included member states and pertinent international organisations. This participation underscores the UAE's commitment to enhancing its role in advancing the global maritime transport system and supporting international efforts to improve maritime operations' efficiency, security, and sustainability.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the meetings, Mohamed Khamis Al Kaabi, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the IMO and Vice-Chair of the Committee, highlighted the significance of bolstering maritime navigation security and safety amid regional challenges. He praised the Committee's steps following the declaration issued by the IMO Council in its 36th extraordinary session.
The Committee expressed concern over attacks targeting commercial vessels and the consequent impact on international maritime traffic and seafarer safety. It emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation with relevant stakeholders and the implementation of measures to enhance maritime security. Regular updates to member states on developments in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, were also encouraged.
In relation to the Facilitation Convention's development, the Committee approved two proposals from the UAE, which drew on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. These proposals aim to facilitate ship crew changes, improve vaccination provision through national programmes, and ensure medical care access during international public health emergencies. The proposals also seek to align WHO's International Health Regulations with the Convention's provisions.
Al Kaabi chaired a working group tasked with drafting the Committee's resolution on guidelines to prevent stowaways from boarding ships and delineating responsibilities in such cases. He also took part in reviewing the roadmap for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), an initiative within the Committee's work scope.
Furthermore, the UAE contributed to a proposal for developing a non-mandatory code on maritime cybersecurity, which the Committee approved with input from relevant technical committees.
