European Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum

30^th and 31^st May at Hilton Reykjavik Nordic

Ávarp ráðherra við setningu 30. maí

Distinguished guests, welcome to Iceland and to the European Marine Accident Investigator’s International Forum.

Iceland is a maritime nation and as such attaches great importance to maritime safety, security and protection of the marine environment.

The sea has always placed an important part of Icelandic society. As an island nation Iceland depends on safe and secure freight transport by sea.

For centuries the fisheries industry has been an integral part of Iceland. As a fishing nation with harsh climate around Iceland, frequent storms and large wave heights, we have great concern for the alarming number of Icelandic fishermen who have lost their lives while pursuing their profession.

But Icelanders decided to challenge this high number of accidents and fatalities with effective safety training, strong commitment by the Government of Iceland, the maritime sector and the maritime workers. The number of fatalities has reduced considerably and over the past nine years there have been three years without any fatal accidents at sea.

Iceland has experience and knowledge in safety at sea. Therefore, Iceland has contributed and played an active role in the development of maritime safety regime and especially in the fishing industry.

The development of the Torremolinos Convention, adopted some forty years ago, was led by an Icelander. Iceland also played an important role in the development of the Torremolinos Protocol to the Convention.

The timely and accurate reports that identify the circumstances and causes of marine casualties and incidents enhances the safety of seafarers and passengers and the protection of the marine environment.

The investigation and careful analysis of marine casualties and incidents is essential to find safety weaknesses and to develop effective remedial measures for the purposes of enhancing safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.

But no nation acts alone. Shipping is an international industry and as such the need for co-operation between nations, including accident investigation, is very important for the interest of maritime safety. Iceland strongly believes that sharing of best practices and an effective implementation of carefully designed international maritime instruments will enhance safety at sea. 

Iceland believes that forum such as the Marine Accident Investigator’s Forum serves an integral part in enhancing maritime safety. Only by bringing together best practices and knowledge can we foster and develop the maritime safety regime with the purpose of preventing maritime accidents.

It is a real pleasure for Iceland to host this forum and I wish you all the best in your work here today and tomorrow.

Thank you.