The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is assisting Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) in implementing the Pacific One-Maritime Framework (POMF). This regional initiative aims to enhance maritime safety, security, capacity-building, and equitable shipping access across the Pacific. The 4th POMF Steering Committee Meeting and the 4th Heads of Maritime Meeting were held in Fiji from September 20 to 23, focusing on the Framework and its draft Implementation Plan.
Representatives from 13 Pacific Island nations, along with regional partners, participated in these meetings, which were facilitated by IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). During the discussions, the IMO introduced the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), highlighting regional findings and preparations for the upcoming audit cycle, which includes the new IMSAS Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM). Updates were also provided on the recently established Regional Presence Office (RPO) in Suva, Fiji, and the revised ITCP Programme Structure for the 2026-2027 biennium, aimed at enhancing capacity development and regional collaboration.
The POMF initiative is designed to align the technical assistance needs of Pacific Island countries with the IMO’s cooperation programs. By endorsing the POMF, the IMO is working to ensure that maritime assistance in the Pacific is effectively coordinated, tailored to national requirements, and contributes to safer, cleaner, and more resilient shipping across the region.
