The Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) will run from July 1-4, encouraging closer international cooperation to ensure safe shipping movements through the region. There will also be a focus on information exchange between more than 20 countries, including China, Chile, Fiji, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
APHoMSA 2013 will build on the outcomes of last year’s forum, which was held in Vietnam and strengthen relationships with Australia’s regional maritime partners.
At last year’s forum, participants agreed that clean seas, cooperative partnerships and the effective implementation of international maritime conventions were necessary to manage increased shipping activity in the future.
AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey said the agency worked closely with its international counterparts to continually improve maritime safety and security and to protect the environment and seafarers.
“The impact of shipping growth in the region will be a focus of this year’s forum, as will passenger ship safety,” Mr Peachey said.
“APHoMSA allows maritime safety agencies to collaborate and ensure better outcomes for safety at sea and regional cooperation.”
China’s largest and most advanced patrol vessel, Haixun 01, will visit Cairns during APHoMSA from July 2-4.
Mr Peachey said the visit of the Haixun 01, on its first international voyage, was a symbol of the close working relationship AMSA has with its partner agencies in the Asia-Pacific, including China’s Maritime Safety Administration.