From 8 to 12 June 2026, a delegation of the Shipping Administration participated in a study visit to Messina, Italy, together with representatives of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority,” and the State Enterprise “Maritime Search and Rescue Service.”
The visit was organized under the EU Twinning technical assistance project “Institutional Support to the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine in the Implementation of the EU Acquis, Norms and Standards on Maritime Safety.”
The programme focused on theoretical training sessions covering international and European legal frameworks governing maritime assistance and emergency response at sea. Participants deepened their understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices applied within the European maritime safety system.
During the course, members of the Ukrainian delegation were introduced to the organisational structure and operational activities of the Italian Coast Guard training centre. The delegation also met with the Mayor of Messina, Federico Basile, and learned about the municipality’s role in coordinating cooperation among enterprises, institutions, and organisations involved in the governance and management of the Port of Messina.
As a continuation of the theoretical module, a specialised onsite training session was held in Reggio Calabria, focusing on coordination mechanisms among maritime assistance services, search and rescue authorities, environmental protection agencies, and other stakeholders involved in maritime emergency response. The delegation had the opportunity to witness coordination from receipt of an accident report through completion of the rescue operation.
Particular attention was given to the practical part of the training. Members of the Ukrainian delegation had the opportunity to observe search and rescue operations at sea organised by the Catania Coastguard. This approach provided a profound understanding of the processes involved in organising maritime search and rescue operations through the study of real-life scenarios.
The delegation also visited the Messina Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and discussed key operational challenges faced in practice.
The study visit provided a platform for professional exchange, capacity building, and the transfer of European best practices in maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and inter‑agency coordination. The knowledge and experience gained will support efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s institutional capacities and advance the implementation of European standards in the maritime sector.
The delegation expresses gratitude to Italian partners and Twinning project experts for their support and contribution to Ukraine’s integration into the European maritime regulatory framework.
