The Kick off Meeting was held in Athens, Greece from the 28th February to 1st March 2013. 

The main objectives of the meeting were the following: 

To present the SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action objectives, processes and expected outcomes To discuss and define the methods for producing deliverables and the work plan To finalise the SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action Handbook To initiate actions for sustainability of Joint Action activities A total of 87 representatives from 22 European countries, the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers, the World Health Organization, the International Maritime Health Association, the Hellenic Ministry of Health, the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the shipping industry (cruise – ferry – cargo) participated in the kick off meeting. 

During the first day, the work package leaders presented in detail the specific objectives, the work plan, the deliverables and indicators of each work package. Participants worked in plenary sessions and in five groups. The working groups were the following: 

Group 1: State of the art report & Chemical and radiological incidents on ships
Group 2: Ship inspections and SHIPSAN ACT Information System
Group 3: Training courses for port health officers and industry
Group 4: Sustainability, evaluation and dissemination
Group 5: Occupational health and hygiene in maritime transport 

All working groups had the task to comment on the SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action Handbook, on the work tasks of each work package and the timetable and decide on the methodology to follow in order to successfully achieve all milestones and produce the deliverables.

In parallel with the kick off meeting, a Coordination Team meeting and an Advisory Board meeting also took place as well as meetings with the ship industry representatives.

The Agenda is available for download 

An Executive Summary of the SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action is available for download 

Click here to see photos of the meeting.