Taking forward IMSAS corrective actions

Vanuatu and Tonga are continuing to strengthen their implementation of IMSAS corrective actions through targeted workshops and practical exercises delivered under the IMO–Republic of Korea SMART-C Leaders Project.

Workshops on coastal State responsibilities were held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga (13–15 July 2026) and Port Vila, Vanuatu (8–10 July 2026), focusing on safety of navigation and marine pollution preparedness and response. Through the national coordination mechanisms established to support the implementation of IMSAS corrective actions, participants identified priority actions, clarified institutional responsibilities and developed practical roadmaps for follow-up.

The work was supported by needs assessment toolkits developed under the Project, which can also serve as useful resources for similar capacity-building activities in other Pacific SIDS.

Practical oil spill preparedness and response exercises were also conducted in Tanna and Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Nuku’alofa and Vava’u, Tonga. The exercises enabled national responders to test emergency procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination and identify areas for improving operational readiness.

Read the full IMO news article: Vanuatu and Tonga strengthen implementation of IMO instruments