IMO Workshop on Secure Shipping in Asia
Shipping forms the backbone of world trade, transporting around 80% of global trade by volume. No other method of mass transportation is as cost-effective or fuel-efficient.Each day, around 50,000 merchant ships deliver the things people need and want – from food, to clothes, fuel, raw materials, electronics, medication and more. The security of maritime trade is therefore paramount to people all over the world.One way in which International Maritime Organization (IMO) supports maritime security is through targeted workshops supporting countries to implement IMO measures. The latest of these events, on maritime and port security for Asian countries, took place in Ningbo, China (23-27 July).
Spotlight on Maritime Security at Mexico Workshop
Mexican port security officials have undergone training on complying with International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code). Forty participants took part in the workshop in Manzanillo, Mexico (16-20 October), focusing on the practise of self-assessing compliance with regulations under the Code that apply to port facilities. The workshop included theoretical lessons, presentations on self-assessment processes and techniques, practical exercises, role playing and a visit to a port facility in Manzanillo. The event is part of a series of activities coordinated with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) following the reorganization of maritime security responsibilities in Mexico this year.
Enhancing Maritime Security in Peru
A national table-top exercise on maritime security in Lima, Peru (18-19 September) has supported the country to implement the United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), which imposes binding obligations on all States to adopt legislation to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and their means of delivery and establish appropriate domestic controls over related materials to prevent their illicit trafficking. The Lima exercise focused on the provisions that fall within the scope of International Maritime Organization (IMO) maritime security measures, including SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International…
Honduras to Implement Maritime Security
A national table-top exercise on maritime security concluded in Tegucigalpa, Honduras (28-29 August). The aim of the event was to encourage a multi-agency approach to maritime security and maritime law enforcement issues. The exercise also highlighted the need for an integrated approach to the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPSCode. Broader security measures were looked at with a view to strengthening national implementation of the special measures to enhance maritime security. Under the guidance of International Maritime Organization (IMO) consultants, participants reviewed and discussed a number of possible maritime and port security scenarios and identified gaps and opportunities for improvement…
Getting to Grips with Ship Security
On-board practice in assessing maritime security measures on a ship was a key feature of a recent workshop which took place in Montevideo, Uruguay (8-11 August). Some 45 participants, representing the national Administration and designated authority for maritime security, ship companies, recognized security organizations and ship security officers. The workshop was designed to equip participants with the necessary skill and knowledge to assess the effectiveness of International ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code implementation on board a ship, using as a basis International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidance on voluntary self-assessment by administration and for ship security.
Port Co-operation, Maritime Security Meet of Argentina
A regional workshop focusing on this year’s World Maritime Day theme - Connecting Ships, Ports and People – has been held in Buenos Aires, Argentina (26-29 June). The event, organized by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Argentine Maritime Authority (Prefectura Naval Argentina), aimed to promote cooperation between ports and designated authorities of participating countries through an open discussion and by sharing experiences and best practices related to maritime security. The workshop also reviewed the implementation of maritime security in the region and evaluating new or evolving threats. Specific subjects addressed included the establishment of national maritime security committees…
Balancing Port Competitiveness and Security
Secure and efficient ports support a sustainable maritime sector and underline the interconnection between ships, ports and people. This was one of the themes outlined by International Maritime Organization (IMO) ' Javier Yasnikouski, Head of Maritime Security, who was speaking at the Hemispheric Conference on Port Competitiveness and Security, organized by the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS), in Miami, United States (22- 24 February). The event provided an opportunity to highlight the IMO World Maritime Day theme for 2017, "Connecting Ships, Ports and People". Yasnikouski commended…
Africa, Asia Join Efforts for Anti-Piracy Information Sharing
A meeting in Singapore (11-12 January) has seen African and Asian countries join efforts to promote greater networking and communications across anti-piracy contact points in the two continents. Speaking at the meeting, International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Head of Maritime Security, Javier Yasnikouski, commended the initiative, saying that the efforts contribute directly to IMO’s work to raise awareness of maritime security issues that have an impact on international trade and the welfare of seafarers; and encourage a co-operative approach amongst IMO Member States and other partner organizations. The event was organized by the…
MPA's Anti-piracy Meet, Workshop fosters Closer Ties
The inaugural Meeting of Anti-Piracy Contact Points and Workshop on Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships involving participants from Africa and Asia was held in Singapore today. Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC), the two-day meeting gathered about 20 participants to foster closer linkages amongst anti-piracy contact points to enable more effective information sharing and communication. Timely sharing and dissemination of information can often play a decisive role in deterring incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships.
Enhancing Maritime Security in the Dominican Republic
A table-top exercise on maritime security has been held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, (1-2 December) to assist the country to effectively implement provisions that fall within the scope of International Maritime Organization (IMO) maritime security measures, including SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International ship and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code and the SUA treaties. Organized by IMO in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), the exercise aims to stimulate discussions and demonstrate the need for cooperation amongst government departments and agencies using a range of evolving scenarios related to maritime security and maritime law enforcement issues.
Supporting Sustainable Maritime Security in Jamaica
A table-top exercise on maritime security has been recently held in Kingston, Jamaica (30 June-1 July), organized by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC). The exercise was aimed at stimulating discussions and demonstrating the need for cooperation amongst government departments and agencies using a range of evolving scenarios related to maritime security and maritime law enforcement issues. Scenarios covered included threats to cruise ships, border security issues involving ports, airports and land border crossings…
