Russia and Finland to submit joint proposal to IMO for accepting ship’s documents in e-format (photo)

Russia and Finland are going to come forward with a joint initiative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for introduction of ship’s documents in e-format, IAA PortNews correspondent cites Vitaly Klyuyev, Director of RF Transport Ministry's Department of State Policy for Maritime and River Transport, as saying at the 38th meeting of Russian-Finnish Mixed Commission on Maritime Shipping held in Saint-Petersburg.  According to him, Russia’s State Duma has approved in the third reading the draft law “On introduction of amendments into the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation” to let seafarers’ certificates be issued in e-format. The draft law is under consideration at the Federation Council.

“We have faced the fact of STCW Convention not allowing for accepting those documents in e-format, therefore the Russian Federation is preparing a proposal to be submitted to IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee at its meeting in May 2018. Russia has invited Finland to co-sponsor this initiative. Besides, State Duma is working with a draft law allowing for holding ship’s documents in e-format. So, throughout the year of 2018 we can perform complete transition to e-documentation at ships”, said Vitaly Klyuyev.

According to Risto Murto, the Head of the Finland’s delegation, the Finnish side supports the proposal and is ready to come forward with a joint initiative.