
Posted On: 7/8/2026, 9:39:00 PM
Last Update: 7/8/2026, 9:39:00 PM
The International Maritime Organisation has announced the full team of Regional Coordinators who will lead the organisation's seven Regional Presence Offices (RPOs), which provide targeted technical support to Member States around the world.
Regional Presence Offices tailor IMO support to address the specific needs of countries across various regions, aligning with the organisation's broader strategic objectives, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
As part of a significant update to IMO's technical cooperation approach, Regional Coordinators will now supervise and coordinate IMO activities across 11 thematic areas, such as marine environment, ocean governance, maritime safety, and security.
IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, asserted that Regional Presence Offices serve as crucial links between the organisation's global priorities and the actual conditions of Member States, stating they are no longer mere outposts but the organisation’s representation on the ground.
Regional Coordinators met for the first time in London on June 15-16 to exchange experiences, strengthen their networks, and explore ways to increase regional engagement and capacity-building.
Moreover, they discussed the implementation of thematic programmes under the IMO’s Technical Cooperation Programme 2026–2027, focusing on maritime safety, security, environmental issues, climate action, facilitation and trade, governance, gender equality, education and training, compliance with the Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), outreach, partnerships for technical cooperation, and regional presence.
The workshop introduced new digital tools, including the Technical Cooperation Portal and Dashboard, aimed at enhancing transparency and responsiveness in IMO support delivery.

The seven Regional Coordinators, including new leads for the Pacific, East Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as coordinators for Francophone and Anglophone West and Central; the Middle East and North Africa; and Eastern and Southern Africa, are experts in maritime opportunities and challenges in their regions.
They Comprise:
With more than 20 years of expertise in maritime affairs, sustainability science, capacity building, and international cooperation, Johanna Diwa Acallar is an expert in ocean governance and international development.
Sitalingi Payne is a seasoned maritime professional with over 20 years of experience in port operations, technical cooperation, maritime safety, security, and regional capacity building throughout Pacific Island nations.
Master Mariner and maritime transport specialist Captain Dave Muli oversees the IMO's regional presence and technical cooperation initiatives in 23 Eastern and Southern African nations.
With a wealth of seafaring, surveying, and maritime education experience throughout West and Central Africa, Captain Dallas Eric Laryea is a Master Mariner and specialist in maritime affairs.
International maritime lawyer Eru Amem Takem works with 15 Gulf of Guinea member states to coordinate maritime development projects.
With more than 25 years of experience in maritime law, environmental governance, research, and maritime education, Vivian Rambarath Parasram is an academic and capacity-building leader.
Marine engineer and maritime safety expert Eng. Refaat Armanios has a wealth of experience in IMO auditing, flag state administration, and maritime regulatory supervision.
In essence, to guarantee regional ownership and coordination while connecting to international frameworks, the Regional Coordinators will collaborate closely with thematic leads and technical officers at IMO headquarters.
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