The maritime transport sector supports employment, directly and indirectly, for millions of people inside and outside the European Union – on ships, in ports, in logistics, in construction, and through tourism and trade.

But the reporting and formalities environment for maritime transport can be complex. This places an unnecessary administrative burden on national administrations and ship operators alike, hampering effectiveness and efficiency alike.

At the EU level, the Commission and EMSA are working closely to ensure the reduction of the administrative burden for maritime administrations and aim at simplification for shipping by supporting EU-wide digital maritime solutions.

BCSEA II: simplification in focus

This project action aims at introducing, as far as feasible, the same simplification and digitalisation initiatives to the Black Sea by exploring and promoting the possibility of developing a “Single Window” solution for Eastern Neighbourhood countries.   

EMSA will also explore the possibility of moving towards digitalisation of the national seafarer registries of the beneficiary countries. Another area of exploration is how the issue and management of e-certificates can be facilitated, taking into consideration the ongoing development of a European Seafarers’ Certification Platform for EU Member States. 

In order to further simplify the work of national administrations, without compromising on the standards applied, BCSEA II supports beneficiary countries in the adoption of a feasible and flexible maritime strategy within the context of the III Code that provides a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all competent authorities.

Moreover, for interested beneficiaries in the Black Sea basin, the Agency supports the introduction of a Quality Management System with all the relevant processes and procedures in line with the III Code and the relevant ISO standards.