Protocol - rempec

II. FUNCTIONSA: GENERAL FUNCTIONS1. To ensure the follow-up of the implementation of the Protocol to theBarcelona Convention concerning Co-operation in Preventing Pollutionfrom Ships and in Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea byOil and other Hazardous and Noxious Substances in Cases ofEmergency, and to perform relevant secretariat functions. In order toachieve this goal, to organize regular meetings of national authoritiesresponsible for policies in the field of prevention of pollution from ships,preparedness for, and response to and co-operation in case ofemergency, and to report to the meetings of the Contracting Partiesto the Barcelona Convention.2. To develop and maintain close working relationships with otherRegional Activity Centres of the Mediterranean Action Plan and withthe “specialized regional organisms” which play a co-ordinating roleas set forth in the Mediterranean Action Plan, particularly with thescientific institutions within the region.3. To co-operate as appropriate in activities of the Mediterranean ActionPlan related to marine pollution.B: FUNCTIONS CONCERNING PREVENTION OF POLLUTION OFTHE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM SHIPS1. To assist the coastal States of the Mediterranean region in reinforcingtheir national capacities with a view to implementing in an efficientmanner the international law and regulations for the prevention ofpollution of the marine environment from ships:a) by collecting and disseminating information concerning legal andtechnical aspects of prevention of pollution from ships;b) by providing legal and technical assistance in their efforts todevelop and implement regulations applicable to the States ofthe Mediterranean region;c) by promoting transfer of technology;40