In March of 2021, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (GoFSM) represented by the Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure (DoTC&I) – as part of the Federated States of Micronesia Maritime Investment Project – engaged IOS Partners, Inc. to provide technical support for the review of the country’s Institutional and Governance Arrangements. The objective of this technical assistance is to assess how the maritime sector is governed and identify measures to improve and streamline port management in the FSM. IOS Partners’ specific role for this assignment is to perform a thorough assessment of the country’s maritime sector and provide recommendations for the development of an effective and efficient port management governance framework in the FSM, which is consistent with international best practices, in the following areas:
- Environmental protection,
- Occupational health and safety,
- Maritime safety,
- Anti-human trafficking, and
- Addressing gender-based violence.
During the project’s 6-month timeline, the IOS Partners team of experts will produce the following:
- A summary of the current regulatory framework for port management and its alignment with government priorities;
- A summary of current roles, responsibilities, and functions of the maritime sector agencies and other relevant units;
- Recommendations, including possible legislative/regulatory amendments, additions, drafting instructions, and explanatory memoranda, required at the State and National levels necessary to develop an effective and efficient port management governance framework, which is relevant and appropriate in the FSM context and consistent with international best practice;
- Instructions for any necessary reforms to the current maritime laws; and
Provide final legislative drafting instructions based on received feedback. The expected outcome of this project is to provide the FSM with a comprehensive review of the current institutional and regulatory setting of the maritime sector and a detailed set of priority recommendations for GoFSM to manage immediate and emerging issues. With the help and close collaboration of the Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure, IOS Partners aims to contribute for the development of a viable maritime sector in the outer islands of the FSM.
