The Ukrainian delegation, represented by officials of the Shipping Administration, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine and the State Enterprise “Maritime Search and Rescue Service”, took part in a study visit to Rome and Salerno, Italian Republic, dedicated to establishing procedures and staff training systems for inspection of fishing vessels.
The visit was organised within the framework of the Twinning 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 familiarising Ukrainian specialists with Italian and European approaches to fishing vessels inspections and personnel training. Special attention was given to preparations for the audit of Ukraine by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and alignment of Ukrainian legislation with the EU standards of maritime safety related to fishing vessels.
During the stay in Rome, the delegation visited the Italian Coast Guard Headquarters, where participants further explored the regulatory framework and best practices for fishing vessels inspections. The discussion also focused on strengthening institutional capacity and developing professional training programmes for inspectors. Capt. Pierluigi Milella, Italian Coast Guard officer and Component 1 Leader of the Twinning Project, presented Italy’s experience in ensuring the safety at sea of fishing vessels.
As part of the visit, Capt. Christian Amin, Italian Coast Guard officer and Component 2 Leader of the Twinning Project, demonstrated the operation of maritime monitoring systems, search and rescue coordination procedures and marine environmental protection measures, together with representatives of the national Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Rome).
In the port of Salerno, the Ukrainian delegation was welcomed by Harbour Master Capt. Giovanni Calvelli, officer of the Italian Coast Guard.
The practical part of study visit activities in Salerno was led by Capt. Tommaso Volpicella, Italian Coast Guard officer and Head of the Italian Mission Control Centre (ITMCC Bari). Participants boarded a fishing vessel of less than 24 metres in length and became acquainted with inspection procedures for this category. They also observed an inspection of a fishing vessel of more than 24 metres in length, covered by the 1977 Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels.
The Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude to Italian partners and Twinning Project experts for their support, valuable experience, and contribution to Ukraine’s progress towards the European integration in the field of maritime safety.
