---

The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) has become an Associate Corporate Member of the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA).

The meeting between the RMRS Director General Nikolay Reshetov and HELMEPA Director General Dimitris Mitsatsos took place in Athens.

"The ocean is a treasure for mankind and it is essential to concern our responsibility to future generations," Reshetov said. "The joint efforts are the key for the success," he added.

Mr Reshetov noted also that the new HELMEPA membership will mean increased responsibility for RMRS.

The assignment of the RMRS class to a ship is a confirmation of the ship's compliance with the relevant international standards.

Upon the shipowner's request RMRS carries out a survey for compliance with additional, more stringent requirements developed by RMRS in order to promote the construction of safer ships in respect to the marine environment and air pollution and the application of the additional pollution prevention measures by the shipbuilders and shipowners.

RMRS actively cooperates with Greek shipowners. In 2009 the Maritime Administration of Greece authorized RMRS to perform surveys on Greek ships.

Reshetov pointed out also that RMRS provides open discussions on environmental protection issues through its international seminars, where the main goal is to consolidate the efforts of all members of the international maritime community in order to enhance safety standards.