The authority is a government body subordinated to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Environment. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has jurisdiction over ships registered in Norway and foreign ships arriving Norwegian ports. The Authority also manages the Norwegian International Ship Register-NIS and the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register-NOR (including the Shipbuilding register). Registration secures legal protection for shipowners and mortgagees.In cases concerning environmental issues that are connected to a specific ship, and the protection of the marine environment, the authority sorts under the Ministry of Environment. The Norwegian Maritime Authority also assists the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway in implementing the petroleum legislation on the Norwegian shelf. The authority is also responsible for the supervision of pleasure vessels. The Directorate is headed by Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Mr. Olav Akselsen.