The idea of a European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) originated in the late 1990s along with a number of other important European maritime safety initiatives. EMSA was set up as the regulatory agency that would provide a major source of support to the European Commission and the Member States in the field of maritime safety.

The statistical review presented in this report is based on data extracted from certificates and endorsements registered by EU Member States until 31 December 2018 and recorded in the STCW Information System.