Technical Assistance and Guidance
Practical support for stronger maritime administrations.
AMSSA provides technical and scientific assistance to African Union Member States in developing and implementing maritime safety, security and environmental standards. Our role is to help national administrations turn international requirements into workable national practice, and to share proven approaches across the continent.
Support is provided at the request of Member States and respects national responsibility for maritime governance. It complements existing regional bodies and does not duplicate them.
Why it matters
African maritime administrations often face limited capacity and resources, and the strategy also identifies gaps in legal frameworks and in coordination between states. Many developing countries find it hard to give full effect to international instruments, which is why the IMO runs a dedicated technical cooperation programme with special attention to Africa. Technical assistance helps close that gap. It turns international conventions into national legislation, procedures and trained people.
Areas of support
Policy and legislative assistance
AMSSA's programme includes policy assistance and technical advice to the AU Commission and Member States on maritime safety, security and blue economy legislation. Support may include model regulations, implementation guidance and help in aligning national law with IMO conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, the ISM Code and STCW
Safety gap studies and assessments
The 2026 programme proposes independent technical studies of maritime safety gaps in selected Member States, and capacity assessments of national maritime administrations. Findings would help administrations prioritise their own reforms.AMSSA's programme includes policy assistance and technical advice to the AU Commission and Member States on maritime safety, security and blue economy legislation. Support may include model regulations, implementation guidance and help in aligning national law with IMO conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, the ISM Code and STCW
Audit methodology and compliance support
AMSSA is developing an audit methodology aligned with IMO and EMSA good practice, with pilot audits planned in three to four administrations. These pilots depend on the agreement of the Member States concerned. The work would also support administrations preparing for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, which is conducted at the request of the State being audited.
Port State Control and inspection
Planned support includes harmonised Port State Control procedures and a data-sharing platform between participating States.
Accident investigation and risk assessment
AMSSA aims to build capability for risk assessment and maritime accident investigation, so that lessons from incidents inform prevention.
Regional coordination
AMSSA is positioned as a coordinating hub for regional maritime centres, with regular meetings planned with CRESMAC, CRESMAO and the Interregional Coordination Centre.
How to request support
Our approach is designed to be clear, transparent and proportionate. Three routes are being developed.
This reflects established international practice. The IMO's technical cooperation programme draws on its own fund and donor contributions, and EMSA delivers technical assistance to neighbouring and candidate countries through EU-funded projects. The World Bank's reimbursable advisory services are requested by the client and paid for under an agreement, at prices based on estimated delivery costs.
Details of eligibility, funding and request procedures are being finalised and will be published once approved.
Our principles
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Member State led. Support responds to requests and national priorities.
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Technically rigorous. Advice is aligned with international conventions and good practice.
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Transparent. Scope, responsibilities and any cost arrangements are agreed in writing.
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Complementary. We work with regional bodies and international partners, and do not replace them.
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Confidential where required. Assessments are shared only with the requesting administration unless it agrees otherwise.
Our 2026/27 priorities
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Establish an African Maritime Safety Standards Technical Working Group.
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Commission technical studies on maritime safety gaps in selected Member States.
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Develop model regulations and guidance documents.
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Develop the audit methodology and conduct pilot audits.
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Establish memoranda of understanding with international partners.
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Establish AMSSA as a secretariat and coordinating hub for regional maritime centres.
These are planned activities that depend on resources and the agreement of participating partners.
Working together
We welcome requests from Member State maritime administrations and inquiries from regional organisations and development partners.
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Request technical support
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Discuss a partnership