Following a visit by the expert team from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Montenegro has undertaken numerous activities to address identified deficiencies in the operation of seafarers’ training centers. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs will henceforth control the work of these centers, reclaiming authority from recognized organizations that failed to meet expectations. The composition of examination commissions in the ports of Bar and Kotor has been changed, with further inspections and reports planned for EMSA. This measure aims to improve the quality of training and ensure compliance with the international STCW convention.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the need for state control and accountability in the maritime training sector, highlighting the failures of outsourcing to private organizations and the importance of aligning with international standards to protect workers and ensure safety.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the Ministry taking over control of seafarers’ training centers, focusing on the procedural changes, compliance with EMSA recommendations, and the goal of improving training quality without strong political bias.
Right: Right-leaning media may stress the importance of national sovereignty and the state’s role in regulating key sectors like maritime training, possibly criticizing previous mismanagement and emphasizing the restoration of state authority and professionalism in the maritime industry.