During the concept development phase of the Global Record Project and in preparation for the Technical Consultation, it will be important to test ideas and theories so that the experiential learning can be passed on to the ultimate decision-makers-the FAO member States.

One of the most important areas for experiential learning will be in identifying the structure of an appropriate technical solution (database and information transfer protocols). Idealy the Project Team will have the opportunity to either find or develop a prototype sytem so that data exchange and display functions can be tested.

With this in mind, and to the extent that funding will permit, the Project Team has identified several potential pilot project partners and will bring them together to test the basic operation of a functioning Global Record. The types of partners needed to advance a pilot project include:

• a database host (an existing databse provider with a system designed to deliver the type of output sought for the Global Record);
• one or more data providers willing and able to input relevabnt data for the purposes of the trial; and
• a UVI systems provider (probably IHS Fairplay - formerly LR-F).

This trial phase is constrained by a lack of funding but nevertheless, basic trials will be undertaken. While FAO is receiving considerable commitment from its pilot project partners, their commitment to this phase in no way indicates any long term commitment or obligation. The lessons learned during the trial phase will be valuable in assessing the potential for long-term partnership, however, all decisions relating to the future operation and management of the Global Record will be made by the FAO member-States at the Technical Consultation.

With regard to the long-term hosting of the Global Record, a number of options are being considered and the Project Team will present assessments on each to the Technical Consultation. The options under consideration include:

• A Global Record developed and maintained by an independent entity outside of FAO.
  • This option would see the Global Record maintained independently of FAO under a service contract. All administrative and systems aspects of the Global Record would be the responsibility of that independent third party.
  • Two external parties are considering the feasibility of a working relationship with the Global Record.

• A Global Record developed and maintained through a partnership arrangement between FAO and an existing systems provider with the information output displayed through an FAO website.
  • This option would see FAO retain a significant role in the management and administration of the Global Record while being able to take advantage of superior existing IT infrastructure thus avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of building a new IT solution.
  • Two external parties are considering the feasibility of a working relationship with the Global Record.

• A Global Record developed and maintained entirely within FAO.
  • This option would require FAO to develop and build a new technical solution to collate, store and display the vessel and related data.

As this project progresses, a detailed set of user requirements documents will be developed (subject to available funding) in support of each option, including cost estimates, so that the delegates at the Technical Consultation will have available to them the full implications of what ever decision they reach.