Under the RoNoMar project, joint research between Aalesund University College and the Naval Academy "Mircea cel Bătrân" focuses on measuring the underwater noise on the Romanian continental platform of the Black Sea and establishing its impact on the ecosystem. The project employs researches and experts from four research institutes and universities.

After initial studies in controlled environments (prolonged by the unexpected harsh winter), the research activity moved to off-shore measurements on the Black Sea noise pollution. Measurements were performed at the entrance in Constanta Harbor on board of the marine research ship "Mare Nigrum", operated by National Institute of Marine Geology and Geoecology.

Within the first year of the RoNoMar project, the project research team was involved in the following actitivites:
- analyse technologies of underwater noise and vibration measurements
- research the impact of underwater noise and vibration on marine fauna
- select representative species of bivalve, fish and mammals in the ecosystems in the NW area (from ecological and economical point of view) and classify them (from acoustic sensitivity point of view)
- research in laboratory conditions the effects of exposure to noise on mussels from the Black Sea
- install measurement equipment, measure underwater noise (background & ambient noise near shipping lanes), and analyze the data
- measure and map the noise in the Romanian Black Sea coast area.

A component of the RoNoMar project is to establish an effective web-based distance learning center, adapted to the current status of lifelong learning in Romania. This component bridges the existing gap in adult education, with a strong focus on specific training requirements of the naval industry.

The ADL learning platform is the result of this work direction. Currently, the site is in the testing phase, with some online courses going into testing stage, while others are still work in progress. Most courses are focused toward maritime training and education, but some of them can be adapted to other domains.

The site has a multi-language user interface, so that it can be used by foreign students and teachers for courses in a commonly agreed language. The image on the left shows the frontpage of the site when the Norwegian language is selected.

While ADL is the virtual home of the lifelong learning initiative, there is also a real-life building for the Lifelong Learning Center, where meetings, seminars and face-to-face meetings can take place. These office premises have been refurbished with RoNoMar funding and equipped with training, simulation, and IT&C equipment.

The first phase of the RoNoMar project is completed. The "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy project team has faced an intense working period, trying to start up the specific activities of the project, strengthening connections with our current partners and establishing new connections with entities involved in the maritime industry. However, the effort we put into this project has not been in vain and we already starting to see the results of our work.

"Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy supports the general objectives of the RoNoMar project and collaborates with the other partners for the successful implementation of the project. In particular, the general objectives of MBNA include: strengthening the infrastructure for maritime training, promote lifelong learning within Romanian maritime industry, and develop joint research and exchange programmes. For these general objectives, in collaboration with the other partners, specific objective have been identified and activities have been assigned to them:

1. Strengthening the infrastructure for maritime training
   • SO1.1 Update and improve available training and R&D resources
     • A1.1.1 Purchase training and simulation equipment
     • A1.1.2 Purchase IT&C products
   • SO1.2 Setup headquarters of the CLLTT
     • A1.2.1 Refurbish the building of the CLLTT
2. Promote lifelong learning within Romanian maritime industry
   • SO2.1 Increase quality and range of lifelong learning services
     • A2.1.1 Create and update LLL maritime-focused courses
     • A2.1.2 Organize professional training courses for instructors
     • A2.1.3 Accreditation of LLL services
   • SO2.2 Promote the benefits of the project (publicity)
     • A2.2.1 Advertise RoNoMar in main stream media and in Norway
     • A2.2.2 Advertise RoNoMar on Internet and in Romania
3. Develop joint research and exchange programmes
   • SO3.1 Develop joint research programmes
     • A3.1.1 Establish joint research programmes
     • A3.1.2 Organize workshops to facilitate the exchange of ideas
   • SO3.2 Develop exchange programmes
     • A3.2.1 Promote teachers exchanges
     • A3.2.2 Promote student exchanges