Mr Christian Serradji, Director of the French Directorate of Maritime Affairs and Seamen, will be the first dignitary to visit Singapore under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)'s Distinguished Visitors Programme (DVP) for the year 2002. The 2-day DVP programme for Mr Serradji will be on 17 and 18 Jan 2002.

The French Directorate of Maritime Affairs and Seamen (DAMGM) is MPA's French counterpart. It operates under the purview of the French Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Housing. Its functions include seafarer training, enforcement and implementation of technical regulations, search and rescue and representation of France at the international maritime fora such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Labour Organisation and the European Union.

Mr Serradji, 55, was appointed the Director for DAMGM in February 1997. Prior to this appointment, he had served in various high level posts in the French Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Housing. He is also currently the Vice-President of Superior Council of the National Establishment of Handicaps of the Navy (ENIM).

Mr Serradji holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Law from the Institute of Political Studies, France. Aside from his maritime-related responsibilities, Mr Serradji has also found time to actively participate in the French community's activities as a co-opted Member of the Administration Council for the National Federation of Associations of Students' Parents of Music Conservatories and Schools. He is the Secretary General for the Symphony of Orchestras of European Youths Association and is the founding member and Deputy Secretary General of the Europe and Liberty Association. Mr Serradji is married with two children.

During the 2-day programme, Mr Serradji will be calling on Mr Alan Chan, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport. He will also be meeting Mr Peter Ho, Chairman, MPA; Mr Chen Tze Penn, Director-General, MPA; and other MPA senior officials.

Other programme highlights include a tour of the MPA's Port Operations Control Centre 2 (POCC2) to view our Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), a demonstration of the Singapore Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) onboard MPA's hydrographical vessel, Mata Ikan, and a sea tour.

Established in 1997, MPA's DVP continues to be a useful platform for the MPA to meet and establish long-term working relationships with key personalities from the international maritime community. The Programme has been an effective channel for exchanging opinions on global maritime issues and enhancing Singapore's bilateral maritime relations.

End of release.