Media Release

New International Maritime Organization (IMO) Chief to visit Australia

The new Secretary General of the IMO - the UN-affiliated body responsible for global ship safety and security - will address Australia's fourth National Shipping Industry Conference in mid-February.

The conference will provide the first opportunity for the Australian maritime sector to hear Admiral Efthimios Mitropoulos as he outlines the challenges ahead for global shipping and the IMO.

Admiral Mitropoulos headlines the Conference, being held at the Novotel-on-Collins in Melbourne on February 19 and 20. The Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services John Anderson will deliver a keynote address on the future of shipping operations at the conference.

Ship security will be a key theme with senior figures from the United States anti-terrorism sector and British Government discussing the future of global shipping in the current world environment.

Other topics include the implementation of the new ship and port security code in Australia and the latest trends in ship safety, pollution regulation, navigation, search and rescue and seafarer qualifications.

Former Federal Transport Minister John Sharp will be delivering an overview of the recent Independent Review of Australian Shipping.

Convened by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NATSHIP 2004 is backed by the peak industry bodies Shipping Australia, the Australian Shipowners Association and the Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities.

The full program and registration details can be found at www.amsa.gov.au. Registration, which includes a welcome reception and conference dinner, is only $700.

Further information:
Media - David Gray 0418 487 794
Conference - Beverley Atkins 0408 697 79

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