Terms of Reference
Background
The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport has general
superintendence of the Red Ensign Group on all matters relating to
merchant shipping and seamen.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has delegated
authority from the UK Secretary of State to ensure that the REG
Registers maintain the highest international maritime standards in
accordance with their obligations under the Conventions and in
accordance with UK policy. The MCA fulfils this role through
routine monitoring visits to each REG Register. As a part of its
role the MCA facilitates liaison and technical discussions amongst
the British Shipping Registries, facilitates an annual
conference of all the REG Registers, which is known as the Red
Ensign Group (REG) Conference. The UK also represents the interests
of each REG member in international fora such as the IMO and the
ILO.
The annual conference is held over the course of several days
and aims to provide an opportunity for a rich and open exchange of
views between delegates from the Red Ensign Group and the various
Governmental Departments associated with maritime policy and the
Crown Dependencies and Overseas territories. The conference seeks
to strengthen maritime relationships between the different members
and aims to disseminate and promote best practice within the Red
Ensign Group. The Conference provides a forum for delegates to
discuss policies and technical issues relating to current
international rule making, maritime legislation, marine safety,
pollution prevention, and the welfare of seafarers both for ships
registered under Red Ensign flags and for ships under other flags
that visit the ports of members.
Frequency and Location of REG Conference
The conference will be held once a year (usually in May), and
located in a member country. A forward programme for conference
venues will be agreed at least 12 months in advance. Currently the
following have been agreed:
2007 - Guernsey
2008 - Cayman Islands
2009 - Gibraltar
2010 - Anguilla
2011 - Jersey
2012 - Isle of Man
Opening Ceremony Photo from the 2009
Conference in Gibraltar:
