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| Monday, 12 January 2004 |
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The Ministry of Port Development and Shipping has drawn a scheme to strengthen maritime security in all the ports in Sri Lanka falling in line with the conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organisation, states a Port Development and Shipping Ministry press release. The International Maritime Organisation has adopted a series of measures to reinforce maritime security in shipping and ports in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the US World Trade Centre on September 11. The Minister of Port Development and Shipping Rauff Hakeem has directed the Ministry to give preference in implementing the said security system at Sri Lanka Ports. From 1 July 2004 onwards, ships found not to be in compliance with the maritime security requirements may not be able to call at foreign ports. Ships may stop visiting ports and harbours which do not comply with the new requirements. These include a security assessment, a security plan and certification by contracting governments of port facilities open to international shipping in their territories and ships registered under the flags. The Merchant Shipping Division of the Ministry of Port Development and Shipping and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, who is the implementing authority for Sri Lanka, will make it mandatory for all ships' officers to undergo training in this regard. Every Sri Lankan ship will have onboard a senior officer designated as Ship Security Officer who will be responsible for implementing the provision of this code. Furthermore, all shipping companies will also have a responsible officer designated as Company Security Officer who will coordinate directly with the maritime administration and their ship. Ships will be fitted with a security alert system in case of a security threat which when activated will prompt the concerned authorities to take appropriate action. A device known as Automatic Identification System (AIS) is being fitted on Sri Lankan foreign going ships for the purpose of identification by other ships and port states. Failure to comply with the ISPS code by Port Facilities would result in ships bypassing these ports. If a ship calls at a non compliant port, she may not be permitted to enter at complaint port subsequently. Each port which is open to international shipping will have a designated Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) who will be in charge of security operations. He will also act as a security coordinator for visiting ships. A ship about to enter a port will be required to make a security declaration which would be assessed by the PFSO. Permission would be granted or denied following this assessment. In a meeting held at the Ministry of Port Development and Shipping on January 5, 2004, it was disclosed that the Sri Lankan Ports Authority is well on course to meet the deadline for compliance with the ISPS code. Furthermore, the Merchant Shipping Division has also taken the necessary steps to implement the provisions of the code in respect of Sri Lanka flag ships and shipping companies. |
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