Article 17 — Information and assistance regarding compliance

1. By 17 December 2026, the Commission shall develop and make available to the public, including via the internet, on a website which is easy to find, free of charge and without restricting access to registered users, awareness-raising and training material on the appropriate implementation of the obligations laid down in this Regulation in consultation with representatives of economic operators, carriers and certifiers, including micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, and relevant environmental non-governmental organisations and in collaboration with competent authorities. Where appropriate, the Commission shall also consult representatives of authorised representatives, shippers, and operators, agents and masters of seagoing vessels. 2. Member States shall ensure that economic operators, EU carriers and non-EU carriers, authorised representatives, shippers, and operators, agents and masters of seagoing vessels get access to information regarding compliance with this Regulation and that they, especially micro- and small- enterprises, get assistance in that regard. Without prejudice to applicable State aid rules, the assistance referred to in the first subparagraph may, in particular, take the form of: (a) financial support, including for the purposes of certification for small enterprises; (b) access to finance; (c) specialised management and staff training; and (d) organisational and technical assistance. 3. Member States shall encourage the development of training programmes for the qualification of certifiers’ personnel.