Upcoming IMO & IOPC Meetings

Posted: 21/01/2014

By: Thomas Liebert

Happy new year to all and thank you to those who responded to my initial email message. You can always add recipients to the distribution list by contacting myself anytime.

This message is in anticipation of the upcoming meetings of the IMO Legal Committee (April 28-May 2) and the IOPC Funds meeting (May 6-9). As you know, there is a regular item on the agenda of the Legal Committee with regards the monitoring and implementation of the HNS Convention: Facilitation of the entry into force and harmonized interpretation of the HNS Protocol, 2010. I have discussed with both Secretariats and I would like to propose to the Correspondence Group that we take advantage to continue our discussions in the Legal Committee under this agenda item. It is also apparent that many States seek additional information and models on national implementation of the HNS Convention.

In this regard, Canada will submit a document to the Legal Committee that will: (i) inform the Committee of the developments since the last meeting with respect to the informal meeting held last October and the reforming of this Correspondence Group, and (ii) provide additional information on the Canadian implementation of the HNS Convention.

At this time, I would urge any other State who is advanced in their implementation to also submit a document under this agenda item with information on their implementation. This could include information on consultations with stakeholders, how the Convention was put into national law (including a web link to the text), the reporting requirements and enforcement provisions and the status of the implementation. This would allow interested states to raise questions during the Committee meeting and have a more fulsome discussion.

Additionally, I have discussed with the Secretariats to potentially devote two hours for a more informal session where there could be presentations and/or informal discussions on national implementation of the Convention. No time slot has been put aside as of yet, however through this email message, I am seeking the views of the Correspondence Group whether you see any value in this type of informal session/workshop. I invite you to send me your views by February 3rd to allow time for proper planning of such a session if the view is favourable.

Action Required:
1)    Consider submitting an information document to LEG 101 on national implementation (see IMO Circular Letter No.3431 for deadlines for the submission of documents)
2)    Provide any feedback on a possible informal session

Thank you again for you continued interest in the bringing into force of the HNS Convention and I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months.

Best regards,

François Marier
Manager/Senior Policy Advisor
Gestionnaire/Conseiller principal de la politique
International Marine Policy / Politique maritime internationale
Transport Canada
Place de Ville, Tower C, Floor 25
Ottawa, ON
+1-613-993-4895
[email protected]