 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Red Ensign Group Conference 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 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 organises an annual conference of all the REG Registers and represents the interests of each in international fora such as the IMO and the ILO. Opening Ceremony Photo from the 2008 Conference in Grand Cayman:
Objectives 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. Where the Conference agrees that one or more members complete an action, it should, as far as possible, be completed within the time specified. Individual bilateral meetings between the MCA and a REG Category One or Two register can be arranged if requested. Representation Currently membership comprises: Category One Administrations: Bermuda Category Two Administrations: Anguilla Conference Organisation Secretariat services are provided by the MCA through the REG Secretariat. The agenda items for the conference include significant issues suggested by the MCA, by the REG members and by the attending Departments of Government, including the Department for Transport, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department of Constitional Affairs. Draft papers containing significant policy issues will be issued three weeks prior to the conference giving the delegates sufficient time to bring their comments/policy line to the conference. Draft minutes of the conference will be circulated for comment within 6 weeks, and draft minutes to bilateral meetings within 8 weeks.
Post Conference Actions Details of all steps to complete agreed actions should be sent to the REG Secretariat for inclusion on the conference action table, on a regular basis.
Frequency and Location of 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
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |