The development Members will be aware of the continuing and enduring refugee crisis situation in the Mediterranean Sea, indeed a number of Skuld member vessels have already assisted in the rescue of persons in distress at sea this year. The underlying driving forces for this situation have not improved since the start of the year and in some respects have further deteriorated. It is therefore likely that the combination of conflict in certain areas in Africa and the Middle East, as well as a weak security situation in Libya, will mean a continued flow of refugees heading towards Europe, particularly Italy, by way of sea routes from North Africa. The Norwegian Shipowners Association has now developed a set of guidelines to assist shipowners in dealing with this situation, as well as a checklist and a registration form, which are republished here with their kind permission. The NSA advice is detailed and very helpful. Members are recommended to review the same carefully. NSA: Suggested guidelines NSA: One-page checklist for large scale SAR operations NSA: Refugees at sea registration form Loss prevention advice Members are reminded of the Association's previous advices on Mediterranean refugees of 7 July 2014. The Association has also published advice on generally dealing with stowaway and refugee situations: Safely with Skuld - Stowaways. In addition to those advices the Association recommends that members ensure they understand the present situation fully and be certain that whenever their vessels proceed in to an area, where a sea rescue situation may be likely, that vessels and crews are properly prepared for this eventuality. At present the majority of these matters arise out the North African / Mediterranean situation, and vessels trading in or through that area should be briefed in advance of the possibility that they may be called upon to assist with the rescue of persons distressed at sea or come across such people on their voyage. In that regard it is also i