The development and design of worldwide applicable performance standards for ships and marine equipment is a focus of the Ministry. Fire on ships cause serious damages where people can get hurt and often, ships were therefore abandoned. Fire protection equipment and -facilities must be able to withstand the conditions of the sea. Therefore, testing standards are developed partly by the IMO, but also by international standards organizations. The Federal Maritime Agency (BSH) and the Occupational Cooperative Society for Transport and Traffic monitor the compliance with international standards. The national enforcement of binding, international fire safety regulations is made by the Maritime Safety Act.