In a stark wake-up call for Montenegro’s maritime sector, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has just dropped a bombshell of a report, exposing a litany of failures in the country’s seafarer education and training system. The findings, a result of an inspection carried out last year, paint a grim picture of a system riddled with shortcomings, leaving Montenegrin seafarers and the country’s maritime economy hanging by a thread. The report, which EMSA inspectors Monika Malinska and Janis Dobris conducted from May 24 to June 2, 2023, has not been publicly acknowledged by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, headed by Filip Radulović, yet the implications are too significant to ignore.
The EMSA report, obtained by Vijesti, pulls no punches. It reveals that some educational institutions and seafarer training centers in Montenegro are falling short of international standards, failing to fully or adequately apply certain rules from the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This is no minor oversight; it’s a red flag waving in the face of the Montenegrin maritime industry. The report also slams the state maritime administration’s control system, deeming it deficient and inefficient. This is a system that has been in place for years and has been largely overlooked.
The stakes are sky-high. If the international community, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), begins to view Montenegrin seafarer certificates with suspicion, the consequences could be catastrophic. Around 6,500 Montenegrin seafarers and 2,000 foreign citizens sailing with Montenegrin papers could find themselves blacklisted, struggling to find work and threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of family members back home. Montenegro stands to lose around 300 million euros in direct income from abroad, a sum earned by its seafarers each year. It’s a stark reality check for a country that has long relied on its maritime sector as a significant economic driver.
The report’s findings are a damning indictment of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The EMSA inspectors highlighted numerous shortcomings, particularly in the work of some educational institutions and seafarer training centers. They also pointed out significant issues with the way state examination commissions operate in the port authorities of Kotor and Bar, and the reliability of candidates taking exams for maritime titles and authorizations. The report didn’t mince words about the conflicts of interest within the ministry, where some officials are simultaneously lecturers and state administration representatives, creating a murky web of responsibilities and oversight.
The report identified 21 deficiencies and one observation, ranging from inadequate training programs to a lack of equipment and facilities necessary to meet STCW Convention standards. The inspectors also noted that Montenegro’s system for approving education and training programs, based on agreements with reputable organizations, lacks monitoring to ensure these tasks are carried out correctly. This oversight has led to data indicating deficiencies in programs and a lack of necessary equipment and training facilities.
The EMSA inspection was conducted in accordance with EU Directive 2022/993, which tasks EMSA with inspecting third countries to ensure compliance with the STCW Convention. Montenegro, which has previously been recognized at EU level, is required to undergo regular re-evaluations, at least every ten years. This latest inspection was triggered by the need for the European Commission to re-assess the Montenegrin system.
The report’s revelations raise serious questions about the future of Montenegro’s maritime sector. The findings could prompt the European Union to reconsider the recognition of Montenegrin seafarer certificates, potentially isolating Montenegrin seafarers from the global maritime job market. This could force Montenegro to overhaul its maritime education and training system, investing heavily in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to meet international standards. The country may also need to address the conflicts of interest within the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, ensuring a clear separation between regulatory and educational roles.
The report serves as a clarion call for Montenegro to prioritize its maritime sector. The findings could spur a much-needed overhaul of the education and training system, ensuring that Montenegrin seafarers are equipped with the skills and certifications needed to compete globally. This could involve increased investment in maritime education, stricter oversight of training centers, and a more transparent and efficient regulatory framework. The report also highlights the need for Montenegro to engage more actively with the international maritime community, seeking partnerships and collaborations that can help elevate its maritime sector to global standards.
The situation could also catalyze a broader debate about the role of maritime education and training in Montenegro’s economic development. The findings could prompt policymakers to consider how best to support the maritime sector, ensuring it remains a key driver of economic growth. This could involve investing in maritime infrastructure, promoting maritime research and development
