The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) is responsible for promoting, complying with and maintaining world class maritime safety standards in Papua New Guinea consistent with legislation and commitments under National Legislation and International Conventions in order to facilitate a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible shipping sector for stakeholders in government, industry and the community. Under the mandate, NMSA ensures a fully functioning and effective network of aids to navigation; availability of high quality and up to date navigational charts; that vessels meet the safety standards required by law and international commitments; ensuring seafarers’ competency through vigilant examination and certification, and coordinating maritime responses to distress calls and monitoring and controlling ship-sourced pollution.