MOWCA TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MARITIME ADMINISTRATIONS

In compliance with the resolution passed at the last sub regional symposium on maritime hosted by the Government of the Republic of Benin in September 2009, the Secretariat of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has announced plans to establish as Association of Maritime Administrations/Merchant Marines Administrations/Merchant Marines (MAWA) in the sub-region to co-operate more closely in developing the national/sub-regional capacity for dealing with issues of maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In particular to develop the sub-regional capacity to implement the respective National Merchant Marine codes as well as a common Sub-regional Merchant Marine code to be a dopted by MOWCA.

The MAMA shall be a specialised organ of MOWCA and operate under the Charter of Abidjan and MOWCA Rules of Procedure. Membership of the Association shall be reserved for the National Maritime Authorities or Merchant Marine Administrations of member States.

The Association shall have its Head Office in a member State and administered by a Secretary-General with a small Secretariat. The budget of the Association shall be derived from the MOWCA Fund and from direct contributions of its members.