Maritime safety has been at the heart of EMSA’s activities since its inception and is both foundation and pillar for all its present and future work. It encompasses, among other issues, a full range of technical actions in relation to the safety of passenger ships, marine equipment, alternative fuels and energy systems for ships, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), steering and manoeuvrability, electrification, and containership fires. EMSA’s work also addresses emerging trends, potential future risks, and new technologies, in support of the European Commission and the Member States at EU and IMO level.

EMSA supports the European Commission and EU Member States on the implementation of the Marine Equipment Directive through a variety of actions, including coordinating an annual update of the list of relevant safety equipment and associated standards, and managing the technical secretariat of the MarED group of Notified Bodies. As part of this support, EMSA also manages the MED Portal, which includes the list of approved products that can be carried on board EU Member State-flagged ships, and those of Iceland and Norway.

EMSA works to further develop the accident investigation capabilities of EU Member States as well as to enhance the collection and analysis of casualty data at EU level. It does this through two main structures: the Permanent Cooperation Framework of Accident Investigation Bodies (AIB), for which EMSA acts as Secretariat; and the European Maritime Casualty Information Platform (EMCIP) which is populated by the AIB and whose casualty data can subsequently be analysed and contribute to an enhanced safety culture at sea.