The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed its audit report on the Finnish maritime administration. The report acknowledges the work of the Finnish administration and includes proposals for developing its activities.
IMO carried out its audit in Finland in November 2011. In the audit, the representatives of the organisation examined how effectively Finland has implemented the various IMO conventions.
In Finland, the audit was prepared in a broad-based working group established by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The working group included representatives from the national authorities involved in the implementation of IMO conventions: the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Finnish Transport Safety Agency, the Finnish Transport Agency, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Finnish Environment Institute, the Finnish National Board of Education, the Finnish Border Guard and the Safety Investigation Authority.
The maritime authorities that took part in the audit generally considered the process a very useful and positive experience. The audit was also considered a good tool for developing the maritime administration.
Finland was complimented on its fleet being in excellent condition. As a proof of that, Finland is one of the top flag states in the world. The auditors also valued the maritime stakeholder cooperation carried out through the maritime advisory board.
According to the observations of the IMO representatives, shortcomings that Finland should address include delays in the national implementation of amendments to the IMO conventions and failure to fulfil some of its reporting obligations relating to the conventions. The auditors also stated that the activities of the Finnish maritime administration should be monitored and evaluated more efficiently. In addition, the administration should provide guidelines for maritime inspectors and classification societies on how it interprets such provisions of the conventions that leave room for manoeuvre at national level.
Some of the shortcomings detected in the audit have already been corrected and for some the corrective measures are under way. The timetable for corrective action has been agreed with IMO.
The final audit report and a summary of it are available in English in the Government project register.
