The participants constitute the network NSN (North Sea Network), which is a network for the authorities investigating and enforcing sanctions after acute pollution and illegal discharge (MARPOL).

From most of the countries, the official prosecuting authorities participate. From Norway, the Norwegian Maritime Authority participates due to the fact that in most cases, administrative sanctions in the form of violation fines, are used.

The North Sea Network was established as part of the Bonn agreement, in which the countries bordering the North Sea have joined. First and foremost, this is a co-operation on preparedness (the Bonn agreement) and control of oil pollution in the North Sea – both acute pollution following incidents and the prevention of illegal discharge from ships.

The participants this year are from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Great Britain, as well as representatives from EU, EMSA, Interpol and Eurojust. The Norwegian Maritime Authority heads the Norwegian delegation, which also has a participant from the Norwegian Coastal Administration.

Among the topics on the agenda of this year's meeting, is an exchange of experience from specific incidents with ships. The Norwegian Maritime Authority will also share their experience with violation fines – an arrangement which engage the interest of the other countries in the group. Other topics are for instance interpretation of international regulations and the co-operation with Interpol.