Annual Work Planof the European Coast Guard Functions Training Network

Developed within the framework of the ECGFA NET II-project under the Work Package 2.Adopted in the Founding meeting of the Governing Board, 8th March 2017.

  1. Introduction

The European Coast Guard Functions Training Network (ECGF Training Network) was established in early 2016 to enhance educational cooperation and exchange of knowledge, skills and best practises in the field of coast guard functions. European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF) functions as an umbrella forum for the ECGF Training Network.

As per the Statement of Intent by European Coast Guard Functions Educational Institutions on establishing the European Coast Guard Functions Training Network,the Governing Board is to adopt anAnnual Work Plan.

The purpose of the Annual Work Plan is to outlinethe main activities of the Network for one year at a time, and also to outline tentative activities for the following year.

The EU funded ECGFA NET II project[1] is supporting the ECGF Training Network during the project´s action time until the end of 2017. Moreover, the current ECGFA NET II project is applying for funding from DG MARE for the third phase of the project – the ECGFA NET III – which would guarantee funding for 12-15 months starting in 2018, and thus the continuation of support for the Network and its activities.

This Work Plan coversthe period 03-12/2017and also outlines tentative plans for 2018.

  1. Key activities of the ECGF Training Network for 03-12/2017

2.1.Activities and tasks of the Governing Board and its Chair

2.1.1.At the founding meeting of the Governing Board in March 2017, formal appointment of the members and the Chair, adoption of the Terms of Reference, Annual Plan and Communication Guidelines[2]. ECGFA NET II project function as a secretary in this meeting.

2.1.2.Second meeting of the Governing Board in September 2017, before the ECGFF Plenaryconference. Meeting can be organized in the country of the Chair, and with the support of the ECGFA NET II project.ECGFA NET II project functions as a secretary in this meeting.

2.1.3.Presentation on the activities of the ECGF Training Network under the ECGFA NET II project at the ECGFF Plenary conference in September 2017. This presentation or report will be delivered by the Chair, with the assistance of the ECGFA NET II project.

2.1.4.Participation in the meetings of the Executive Group[3] of the ECGFA NET II project (tentatively in April, July, November 2017). The Chair of the Governing Board will act as the representative of the Governing Board.

2.2.Activities which are implemented under the ECGFA NET II Project

These activities follow the Project Plan and Grant Agreement[4] of the ECGFA NET II Project, which outlines in detail all objectives, activities and implementation modalities. The project focuses on three key areas: 1) provision of support for the ECGF Training Network and the related ECGF Training Portal, 2) running of a pilot ECGF Exchange Programme and 3) development of a Coast Guard Functions Sectoral Qualifications Framework (CGFSQF). More information about the project activities can be found on the ECGF Training Portal website:

  1. Tentative activities of the ECGF Training Network for 2018

3.1. Tentative activities of the Governing Board and its Chair

3.1.1.Organisation of 2-4 Governing Board meetings in 2018. Meetings will be organized in the country of the Chair, and with the support of the planned ECGFA NET III project. ECGFA NET III project will function as a secretary in these meetings.

3.1.2.Presentation on the activities of the ECGF Training Network under the ECGFA NET III project at the ECGFF Plenary conference in September 2018. This presentation or report will be delivered by the Chair, with the assistance of the ECGFA NET III project.

3.1.3.Participation in the meetings of the Executive Group[5] of the planned ECGFA NET III project. The Chair of the Governing Board will act as the representative of the Governing Board.

3.1.4.Functioning in the role of an Advisory Boardfor the planned ECGFA NET III project. In this role as the Advisory Board of the ECGFA NET III, the Governing Board would be responsible for the monitoring of the progress and results of the project and formulation of recommendations for improvements in the project activities[6].Tasks would also include providing guidance on general outlines of project activities.[7]Focus would be on coast guard functions issues which are related especially to training and education, and on issues that require technical expertise in coast guard functions training.[8]

3.2.Tentative activities which are planned being implemented under the planned ECGFA NET III Project

Activities of the planned ECGFA NET III project are to be direct continuation for the ECGFA NET II and to be designed so that they ensure that the results of earlier phases are sustainable.

Tentatively, ECGFA NET III would focus on three key areas:

1) Provision of support for the ECGF Training Network and the related ECGF Training Portal. In addition, there could be organised a 1-2 day training seminar/conference for all the members of the ECGF Training Network on a chosen topic.

2) Running of the ECGF Exchange Programme, including the participation of exchangees from non-EU countries. Countries to be specified laterdefining the future involvement of non-EU countries ENP.

3) Finalisation of the development of a Coast Guard Functions Sectoral Qualifications Framework (CGFSQF).

1

[1]European Coast Guard Functions Academy Network Project II – the ECGFA NET II - is funded by the EU/EMFF. Implementation period is 10/2016-12/2017. More information about the project can be found on the ECGF Training Portal website:

[2]The draft Guidelines for communication of the ECGF Training Network were prepared as a result of the ECGFA NET I project in 2015. Guidelines set out a framework for communication activities and allocate roles, tasks and goals for the Network communications.

[3] Currently The Executive Group works under the chairmanship of the Project Manager. It approves plans, follows up the progress of the project, oversees reporting and takes out decisions regarding the project implementation. The Executive Group consists of Project Manager (chair), Work Package (WP 1−3 Finnish Border Guard, WP 4 Italian Coast Guard) leaders, Representative from European Commission/DG Mare, Project Assistant (secretary) and other necessary experts as if requested.

[4]Grant Agreement EASME/EMFF/1.2.1.11 Development of a Sectorial Qualifications Framework for Coast Guard Functions.

[5] Currently in the Executive Group of the ECGFA NET II project are represented the following: Project Manager (chair), Work Package leaders, Representative from European Commission/DG Mare, Project Assistant (secretary) and other necessary experts if requested.

[6]As per the Statement of Intent document,Governing Board has the following mandate with regards the activities of the ECGF Training Network: “The Governing Board will adopt Terms of Reference for its work and adopt an

annual work-programme. The Governing Board will monitor the progress and results of the collaboration and will formulate recommendations for improvements in the cooperation”.

[7]As per the draft Terms of Reference of the Governing Board, the Governing Board “decides on the implementation of the programmes and initiatives”.

[8] The ECGFF Secretariat would continue in their previous role as the Steering Committee of the ECGFA NET project, where their function has been as per the Grant Agreements/Project Plans to “follow-up the activities and give general guidance for the project”.