The Regional Train-The Trainers Workshop was held at the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) on 28 – 30 May 2019 in Singapore. This event was part of the MEPSEAS training strategy, which was developed with a view to assist the participating countries with building capacity and implementing the chosen marine environment protection conventions.
In preparation for this event, IMO developed three specialized training courses using the Train-X methodology, which cover the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS) Convention , the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention and Annex V of the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Convention (MARPOL). The three courses were further consolidated into a training package generically named Train-Implement.
The main aim of the workshop was to familiarize the National Training Experts nominated by the participating countries with both the training package and the techniques by which knowledge and skills in drafting legislation could be enhanced at the national level through the national delivery of the Train-Implement package.
As a result of the logistical efforts provided by IMO and MPA, combined with the participation of IMO staff, consultants, guests and participants, the event was a huge success. Attended by at least two National Training Experts from each participating country, the training package was discussed, acknowledged and validated. The participants concluded that the three training courses were both useful and relevant in providing basic knowledge to capacitate public officers and personnel involved in drafting laws and implementing and enforcing flag and Port State Control (PSC) rules and regulations.
This Regional Train-The-Trainers Workshop provided the much-needed level playing field for the national delivery of the Train-Implement package in which the individual training courses could be further adapted and tailored to the requirements of the individual MEPSEAS countries.