The Norwegian Maritime Authority

The NorwegianMaritime AuthorityTogether for safety at sea in a clean environment

In matters concerning pollutionfrom ships and protection of themarine environment, the Authorityis subordinate to the Ministry of theEnvironment (MD). The NorwegianMaritime Authority collaborates withand assists the Norwegian CoastalAdministration in matters relatedto the technical aspects of ships inoil spill clean-up operations. TheAuthority assists the NorwegianPetroleum Safety Authority (Ptil) in thesupervision of mobile offshore unitson the Norwegian continental shelf.In addition, the Authority assists thepolice in investigations of criminaloffences linked to the Ship Safety andSecurity Act and assists the AccidentInvestigation Board Norway (AIBH)with investigations of accidents.Work related to checkingdocumentation is largely doneby employees at our head officein Haugesund, while most of theinspections are performed by theAuthority’s stations along the coast.The stations and head office alsoconduct audits of vessels, shippingcompanies, classification societies,approved enterprises and otherswho perform supervisory tasks onbehalf of the Authority. This is donethrough system audits, vertical audits,unannounced inspections andperiodic inspections.The Norwegian Maritime Authorityshall actively promote Norway asan attractive flag state. In addition,the Authority shall ensure the legalprotection of rights and due process byensuring that the ship registers NIS andNOR are accurate and up-to-date.The Norwegian Maritime Authoritygives high priority to its internationalwork and plays a leading role onbehalf of Norway in a number ofinternational bodies. Most of theregulations in the shipping industry aredeveloped in international bodies suchas the UN`s International MaritimeOrganization (IMO), the InternationalLabour Organization (ILO) and theEuropean Maritime Safety Agency(EMSA). As one of the world’s leadingmaritime nations, Norway whishesto be a leader in promoting safe andenvironmentally friendly shipping,and the Authority plays an importantrole in the development of newinternational regulations. Decisionsmade by the EU and shippingorganizations are increasingly exertinginfluence on Norwegian maritimeregulations. Consequently, one ofthe Norwegian Maritime Authority’smain repsonsibilities is ensuringproper domestic follow-up andadaptation when international rulesare implemented into Norwegianlegislation.In addition to the internationalregulatory work, the NorwegianMaritime Authority also developscomprehensive national legislation.The Authority administers a numberof national laws and some 130regulations, which, in conjunction withthe international regulations, compriseone of the largest sets of publiclegislations.The Authority is responsible forsupervising various types of vesselsincluding cargo ships, offshore vessels,passenger vessels, fishing vessels,mobile offshore units and pleasurecrafts. For NIS registered ships, theclassification societies have beenauthorized to act on behalf of the NMA.Norway currently has agreements withseven different classification societies.The Norwegian Maritime Authorityconducts extensive awareness-raisingand preventive work to activelypromote a culture of safety at sea;the NMA`s Safety at Sea Conference,meetings with users, participation atconferences and trade fairs, variouscampaigns, the Safe Boating campaign,the Welfare Service and active use ofvarious dedicated communicationchannels.4 // www.sjofartsdir.no 5

Collaboration across the various departments and stations is often necessary and gives good results. From the left: Lasse Karlsen, Anita Strømøy, Jan Ekeberg, Trond Kvande, Veronica Andersen Haugan, Cathrine Grimstvedt, Tor-Ole Johansen and Kjell Drabløs.Our core valuesIntegrityWe work towards obtaining a high degree of confidence with our users to ensureimpartial and correct consideration of cases, mutual exchange of information andpredictability.AccountabilityOur responsibility is to develop rules and regulations for the purpose ofincreasing safety at sea. We cooperate with the maritime industry in Norway, themaritime administrations of other countries and international forums to improvesafety at sea. It is the responsibility of the shipping companies to ensure that theapplicable regulations are fully complied with on each vessel.Loyalty and opennessOur loyalty lies first and foremost with safety at sea and the applicable laws andregulations. Through openness and respect, we will show loyalty to our users andcolleagues.ConfidenceThe working environment is to be safe, secure, pleasant and predictable forall employees. All employees will be valued and respected for their uniquecontribution to the safety work. Through trust, responsibility and clear objectiveswe develop our workforce.ServiceGood service means that we give quick and precise answers to questions andmake the necessary information readily available through our communicationchannels. Predictability and accessibility for our users is important to ensuregood, constructive collaboration.6 // www.sjofartsdir.no 7

Goals and strategies// Bow Sirius 10. Entry to the photo contest for seafarers. Photo: Almanh A. Hernal.Goal 1 - Highly qualified seafarers withgood working and living conditionsThe Authority will follow up manning, seafarers’ qualifications andsupervise working and living conditions on board. In cooperation withthe maritime industry, awareness-raising activities shall be carried outto actively promote a culture of safety in the industry. The Authorityshall develop user-friendly, effective solutions for issuing and renewingpersonal certificates. The reimbursement scheme for the employmentof seafarers shall be administered in accordance with the Ministry ofTrade and Industry’s guidelines. A modern and efficient welfare serviceadapted to new solutions shall ensure good living conditions.Goal 2 - Safe and environmentallyfriendly vesselsThe Norwegian Maritime Authority’s work shall be guided by theprinciple of risk-based supervision. The Authority will conduct statutorysupervisions, document control and certification. Audits will bepreformed and relevant maritime activities followed up. User-friendly ITsolutions shall be developed for inspection work and the systematizationof findings from supervisory activities. The Authority shall initiatemeasures to reduce pollution from vessels. The Norwegian MaritimeAuthority shall be open to innovative new technical and operationalsolutions.Performance in this area will beof relevant maritime activityPerformance in this area will be• safety campaignsmeasured against the following• annual campaigns targeting selectedcriteria:types of vesselsmeasured against the followingcriteria:• introduction of new internationalrules on working and living• follow up on risk-based supervisionwill be started once the report on this• annual random spot checks ofbunkers and ballast water• scheduled audits of educationalconditions of seafarers – the Maritimehas been concluded• prompt certification of all vessels that• reduction in the number of vesselsmeet the requirementsinstitutionsLabour Convention (MLC) – anddetained in connection with flag state • arrangements to promote greater use• maximum processing time forsupervision of compliance therewithand port state controlsof random spot checks in connectionpersonal certificates of no longer thanfour weeks• Norway shall be among the top ten onthe White List (Paris MoU) by 2015• performance of port state control andhost state control of assigned vesselsin accordance with the Paris MoU• audits and other planned supervisionwith certification and inspection ofnewbuildings and converted ships• reduction in the number of injuriesand accidents• reduction in the number of violationsof rules10 // www.sjofartsdir.no 11

Goal 3 – NIS and NOR shall be attractivequality registersGoal 4 – Clear, user-friendly andaccessible legislationAs flag state, the Norwegian Maritime Authority also fulfills the functionsof an assets register. Registration ensures legal protection which ismaintained by keeping correct and updated registers.Performance in this area will be measured against the following criteria:• all cases and documents are considered upon receipt and at the latest withinone workday• quality assurances are carried out in order to ensure that all documents meetthe statutory and regulatory provisions• coordination with data from other public records by continuously updating theregisters and through periodic bulk checksThe Authority shall be a visible and clear initiator in internationalregulatory work. The Authority’s development of national rules andregulations shall be based on input from competent sources, experienceand impact assessment. The Authority wishes to develop the ”ABC”system where: Part A organizes and simplifies the regulations, makingthem easier to use and navigate; Part B records administrative practicesthat make it possible to link decisions to the relevant individualregulations; and Part C is a guide to Parts A and B. The regulations will bemade available online.Performance in this area will bemeasured against the followingcriteria:• development of the ABC systemduring the strategy period• completion of the restructuring ofrelevant regulations by 2013• incorporation of new internationallegislation into Norwegian law withingiven deadlines• new rules for vessels under 24 metres• active participation in relevantinternational bodies// “Island Wellserver” is registered in NOR. Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug.12 // www.sjofartsdir.no 13

Accident prevention through a variety of campaigns.Goal 5 – Quality in all areasThe Authority shall have a certified quality management system. Knowledgefrom analyses and awareness-raising activities shall be communicated inappropriate forums. The Authority will attach importance to continuousmonitoring, improvement and rationalization of its services. Employeeswill provide good service based on the main principles of openness andaccessibility and communicate in clear, plain and user-friendly language.All matters are to be handled in compliance with the prevailing regulationsapplicable to government administrations.Performance in this area will bemeasured against the followingcriteria:• a certified quality managementsystem in place in all the Authority’soperational units by May 2012• up-to-date and user-friendly servicedeclaration• processing times in accordance withthe provisions of the NorwegianPublic Administration Act and theAuthority’s service declaration• adherence to the Authority’s languagepolicy• no procedural errors that result inreversal of decisions, detention ofships or loss of rights and priority• introduction of a new system forpersonal certificates, thereimbursement scheme and a newcase filing system in 2012• no misconduct or breach of the ruleson public procurements• measures to improve and simplify ourservices to the maritime industry• arrangement of the NMA´s annualSafety at Sea Conference• awareness-raising activities andcampaigns// The Norwegian Maritime Authority is proud to have won an occupational health and safety award: DirectorGeneral of Shipping and Navigation Olav Akselsen (rear left) and a handful of his co-workers.From the left: Cecilia Girard, Ann Karin Fosse, John Malvin Økland, senior safety representative Stine Nerbø holdingthe award, Helena Helgesen, José Ventura, Svein David Medhaug, John Kristian Fosen and Kristine Breistrand.Goal 6 - Attractive workplaceThe employees are the Authority’s most important resource. TheAuthority will work systematically on EHS issues, focusing on ensuringa healthy and meaningful work situation. Recruitment of people withthe accurate skills and systematic development of the employee’sskills are essential to achieve the objectives defined in the strategicplan. Systems shall be put in place to ensure personal and professionaldevelopment, as well as attractive and flexible schemes tailored to theemployees’ different phases of life. The Authority shall be user-oriented,maintain a clear focus on targets, results, collaboration and coordination,competence, learning and development as well as participation andinvolvement.Performance in this area will bemeasured against the followingcriteria:• active use of the competencemanagement system (KOMPIS)• opportunities for skills enhancementand active use of the NMA´sscholarship scheme• development and implementation ofa plan for parallel career pathswhenever possible, be offeredadapted solutions• completion of the plannedmanagement developmentprogramme• sickness absence shall be lower thanthe average rate in the public sector• systematic EHS work• identification of reasons fortermination of employment• employees with special needs shall,14 // www.sjofartsdir.no 15

User-friendly serviceElectronic submission of drawingsIn March 2012, the Norwegian Maritime Authority switched to online submissionand processing of drawings. The Authority now encourages the industry to submitdrawings electronically as e-mail attachments. This is a convenient and user-friendlysystem and is expected to result in faster and more efficient processing. In addition,electronic submission of drawings provides environmental benefits, due to thereduced need for paper copies. Now the only paper copies of drawings needed arethose for display in the vessel.// Good communication with the users is a central aspect of reputation building.Goal 7 – Good reputationA good reputation is essential for the Authority’s credibility as asupervisory authority and ship register, and to recruit and retainemployees. A good reputation is also important to ensure that Norwayis perceived as a quality flag and a competitive and attractive optionfor Norwegian and foreign shipowners and the maritime industry as awhole. A good reputation is an absolute requirement from our superiorauthorities and the maritime industry. Reputation is the users’ andsociety’s perception of the quality of our services and is thus the totalsum of the other main objectives. The Authority strives to achieve activecommunication with our users, to offer good electronic solutions, correctprocessing of applications and to promote simpler, more coordinatedmaritime management.Performance in this area will bemeasured against the followingcriteria:• regular user satisfaction surveys• active communication with ourusers in accordance with thecommunication plan• high level of service• continuous development of userfriendly websitesElectronic submission of formsFrom March 2011, users have been able to use our electronic form submissionservice. Logging in via the e-government portal Altinn, users can submit a range offorms related to vessels and accidents. We are constantly working on making newtypes of forms available for electronic submission. It is still possible to completeprinted forms and submit them by post, but more and more users are switching toelectronic forms because of the benefits this affords. You can find out which formscan be completed and submitted online on our website www.sjofartsdir.no, under theheading ”Forms”. Here there is also a link to the Altinn log-in page.Applications for personal certificatesFrom October 2012, it will be possible for seafarers to apply for personal certificatesusing our e-forms service, logging in via the Altinn portal. This will simplify andimprove the efficiency of application processing, to the benefit of our users. Requireddocumentation of qualifications (medical certificates, certificates from educationalinstitutions, and documents from the shipping companies) are submitted to ourdatabase by the issuer and coordinated with applications for a personal certificate.In addition, the certificate fee can now be paid online upon submission of anappliction, further reducing application processing time.The seafarer reimbursement schemeFrom the 6th term in 2012, six application forms in the reimbursement schemefor seafarers will be replaced by a single online form, available on our e-formswebpage, with log-in via the Altinn portal. The application form provides informationand assistance on completing the form and the required documentation. Electronicsubmission of forms via Altinn will also help assure the quality of administrativeprocedures, reduce processing times and allow electronic responses to applicationsand inquiries, all of which will benefit our users.16 // www.sjofartsdir.no 17

Rememberyour life jacket!More knowledge– safer sailingIt is essential to exercise goodseamanship when you are at sea.The curriculum for the boatinglicence exam provides fundamentalknowledge about good seamanship,operating and looking after boats, andthe rules that apply at sea. On passingthe final exam (”båtførerprøven”), youreceive a boating licence for pleasurecraft (”båtførerbevis”). Although thepreparatory course for the boatinglicence exam is not obligatory, mostcandidates will find it useful andinformative to take this course prior totaking the exam.Individuals born in or after 1980 arerequired to have a boating licenceto operate a boat that is longer than8 metres or with an engine of 25 HPor more. However, the NorwegianMaritime Authority urges everyonewho is going to operate a pleasure craftto obtain a boating licence.The company Norsk Test AS has a list ofplaces where you can take the boatinglicence exam and the bodies that issueNorwegian boating licences on behalfof the Norwegian Maritime Authority.Read more about the Norwegianboating licence on www.sjofartsdir.noand www.norsktest.no.18 // www.sjofartsdir.no 19

Norway as aquality flagThe work done through the NorwegianMaritime Authority is part of theNorwegian Government’s maritimestrategy, that Norway will continue to bea leading maritime nation. The goal is toensure that Norway is an attractive flagfor Norwegian and foreign shipowners.With consular representation in 164countries, Norwegian ships and crewsare assured a high level of assistance allaround the world. The consular stationsissue and endorse certificates on behalfof the NMA and are often involved inconnection with deliveries and andchange of flag. The Norwegian flagsymbolizes quality, and Norway is one ofthe few countries approved by the ParisMoU as low risk in the new port statecontrol regime.Photo: ScanpixNorway has been a prominent maritime nation since the early1900´s. Norwegian maritime and shipping law represents safety andprofessionalism and applies to all vessels registered in the Ship RegistersNIS/NOR. Norway also offers a very competitive tax scheme for shippingcompanies.The Ship Registers NIS / NOR aremanaged with a high level of service.Registration matters are answered theday they are received, and exact time areregistered. Documents and enquiries arereplied to the same day they are receivedand registrations are carried out at theactual time between the hours of 7 a..m.and midnight. This aids in the protectionof legal rights for owners, mortgageesand property. As a legal protectionregistry, we must prevent delays in thesystem that may lead to loss of priority.The registers have a solid reputationof being professional, efficient andservice-oriented.NORWEGIAN MARITIMEAUTHORITYPO Box 2222,N-5509 HaugesundSmedasundet 50A,N-5528 HaugesundTel.: +47 52 74 50 00Fax: +47 52 74 50 01E-mail: postmottak@sjofartsdir.nowww.sjofartsdir.noRegion SouthStation OsloP.O. Box 442 Sentrum,N-0103 OsloTel.: +47 52 74 54 00Fax: +47 52 74 54 01Station LarvikP.O. Box 84, N-3251 LarvikTel.: +47 52 74 54 80Fax: +47 52 74 54 81Station Kristiansand SP.O. Box 24, N-4661 Kristiansand STel.: +47 52 74 54 60Fax: +47 52 74 54 61Station StavangerP.O. Box 668 Sentrum,N-4003 StavangerTel.: +47 52 74 55 00Fax: +47 52 74 55 01Station HaugesundP.O. Box 2222,N-5509 HaugesundTel.: +47 52 74 55 60Fax: +47 52 74 50 02Station BergenP.O. Box 110, N-5804 BergenTel.: +47 52 74 55 80Fax: +47 52 74 55 81Station FlorøP.O. Box 58, N-6901 FlorøTel.: +47 52 74 54 40Fax: +47 52 74 54 41Station ÅlesundKongensgt. 25, N-6002 ÅlesundTel.: +47 52 74 55 40Fax: +47 52 74 55 41Station Kristiansund NP.O. Box 767,N-6501 Kristiansund NTel.: +47 52 74 54 70Fax: +47 52 74 54 71Region NorthStation TrondheimP.O Box 4310,N-7417 TrondheimTel.: +47 52 74 55 30Fax: +47 52 74 55 31Station RørvikP.O. Box 229, N-7901 RørvikTel.: +47 52 74 54 90Fax: +47 52 74 54 91Station SandnessjøenP.O. Box 213,N-8801 SandnessjøenTel.: +47 52 74 54 93Fax: +47 52 74 54 94Station BodøP.O. Box 325, N-8001 BodøTel.: +47 52 74 54 20Fax: +47 52 74 54 21Station SvolværP.O. Box 54, N-8301 SvolværTel.: +47 52 74 55 10Fax: +47 52 74 55 11Station HarstadP.O. Box 264, N-9483 HarstadTel.: +47 52 74 54 54Fax: +47 52 74 54 55Station TromsøP.O. Box 6258, N-9292 TromsøTel.: +47 52 74 55 20Fax: +47 52 74 55 21Station HammerfestP.O. Box 180,N-9615 HammerfestTel.: +47 52 74 54 50Fax: +47 52 74 54 51Ship Registers DepartmentNorwegian Ship RegistersPO Box 1013 SentrumN-5808 BergenTel.: +47 55 54 12 50Fax: +47 55 54 12 75E-mail: post@nis-nor.noNorwegian welfare offices abroadAberdeen41 Regent Quay,Aberdeen AB115BEScotlandTel: +44-1224 21 19 33Fax: +44-1224 21 19 33Mobile: +44-7860 64 52 06E-mail: ngss.aberdeen@sjofartsdir.noPort Said24 Palistine St.P.O.Box 539Port Said, EgyptTel: +20-66 322 47 06Fax: +20-66 322 75 14Mobile: +20 12 789 76 03E-mail: ngss.portsaid@sjofartsdir.noRotterdamSchiehavenkade 1983024 KL Rotterdam,The NetherlandsFax: +31-10 428 1371Mobile: +31 65151 2530E-mail: ngss.rotterdam@sjofartsdir.no22 // www.sjofartsdir.no 23

Norwegian Maritime AuthorityP.O. Box 2222, N-5509 HaugesundSmedasundet 50A, N-5528 HaugesundTel.: +47 52 74 50 00Fax: +47 52 74 50 01E-mail: postmottak@sjofartsdir.nowww.sjofartsdir.noDesign: Cox Oslo / www.cox.no