The SafeSeaNet system was introduced so that EU member states, Norway and Iceland could among other things, share information on vessel movements, identify ships carrying hazardous cargoes, know when ships are expected to arrive or leave port, and know of any accidents or incidents.
“SSN is being continuously developed and upgraded to improve the service to users and to comply with the new legal background – for example, providing time of arrival and departure from EU ports to the Port State Control information system THETIS, from last year. As a result, more and more users are accessing the system or the information provided by it,” says Louis Baumard at EMSA.
Probably the most significant upgrade recently was the development of an interactive graphical interface which member states can access; this enables them to see the ship positions and click on the positions to get information.
The next major upgrades will be for 2015, when additional information such as waste and security pre-arrival information will be implemented, in accordance with the EU Directive 2010/65; this requires all EU member states to accept electronic reports via a Single Window.
“The development required by Directive 2010/65 on reporting formalities, to be effective on 1 June 2015, is the next important step,” says Mr Baumard. “The ultimate aim is to further develop SafeSeaNet as part of the EU maritime monitoring system in response to the requirements of the EU legal framework, the EU institutions and member states.”
