The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched two web-based information resources to provide information about and for the maritime community. the Compendium of Maritime Training Institutes (CMTI) online directory and MARTECAID (MARitime TEchnical Co-operation AID) database.

Compendium of Maritime Training Institutes (CMTI)

The online Compendium of Maritime Training Institutes (CMTI) provides a listing of maritime training institutes worldwide and allows for searching by country or name of institute. The site allows direct input of information by Member States themselves, thereby providing them with a direct channel of communication to potential users.

The aim of the CMTI website is to facilitate global access to information on maritime training institutes around the world, and to promote the exchange and accuracy of that data.

CMTI website: http://www.imo.org/home.asp?topic_id=518


MARTECAID (MARitime TEchnical Co-operation AID) database

MARTECAID is a web-based inventory on technical co-operation activities related to maritime safety and security and marine environment protection. The aim is to facilitate global access to information on the range and scope of maritime technical assistance around the world and to promote the exchange and accuracy of that data. By accessing this up to date picture of global resourcing for the maritime sector, potential recipients may identify complementary sources of funding, while donors may use the information to minimize duplication in the planning of their development aid.

The site allows direct input of the information by Member States themselves. The information on projects and activities is provided by national authorities responsible for development aid and by agencies involved in providing technical assistance within the maritime sector.

MARTECAID website: http://www.imo.org/home.asp?topic_id=489


IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos welcomed the two new resources.

"The two new websites have been developed by the Organization's Technical Co-operation Division to improve the exchange and availability of information. The Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme focuses on human resources development and institutional capacity-building. The CMTI database, while allowing prospective seafarers to search for training institutes in their own country or abroad, will also permit IMO and donor countries to target assistance appropriately," Mr. Mitropoulos said.

"The MARTECAID website is extremely important because it enables donor organizations and countries to see where resources are being allocated. I would urge Member states and agencies to input data on projects underway or planned. Accurate information on activities will facilitate more efficient monitoring of programmes and allow for effective targeting of resources. Donor countries with in-kind or financial resources to offer will be able to see where they can contribute to an existing programme, or where there are gaps in the provision of assistance," Mr. Mitropoulos said.

IMO - the International Maritime Organization - is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.