The role and obligations of a member state of the International Maritime Organization and European Union

As a member of the International Maritime Organization, requirements which should be fulfilled by Romania are differentiated on three main directions which are in the same time characteristics of a maritime state: costal state, flag state and port state. Those tree characteristics impose obligations as per mandatory IMO instruments in one hand and as per the European maritime legislation in the other hand. The characteristics deal with safety of navigation requirements implemented to our own ships and also regarding the safety measures for safe navigation in the Romanian jurisdiction waters as well. The role played by the Administration through Flag state and Recognized Organizations is of the highest importance to fulfil the obligations assumed by the Romanian government when the Conventions and other mandatory IMO instruments were agreed and signed. To delegate the flag state competences to a Recognized Organization is a great responsibility. The respect for the environment is covered by MARPOL requirements but also by the European directives which should be fully implemented by the Administration. The SAR convention deals with the salvage of the human life at sea and imposes a series of requirements to be fulfilled as special equipment, well prepared and trained people and designated salvage ships. A special communication system is required as well. The Port State characteristic should be implemented and well connected to all regional agreements within the world for the global benefit of safety and the environment.