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New Security Group for Ports

Standard Times (Freetown)
NEWS
June 30, 2004
Posted to the web June 30, 2004

By Augustine Beecher

A new international security organisation, Port Maritime Security International
(PMSi) has now been recruited by the government to manage the security of the
nation's major ports.
This was disclosed to the press yesterday morning, 29th June at the training
school of the SLPA in Cline Town.
According to the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
(SLMA), Mr. Lukulay, the need for the upgrading of port securities worldwide
began with the World Trade Center building, which led to the requirement by
many countries of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for an
International Shipping and Ports Security (ISPS) code.
This code outlines measures and or things to be in place or to be done in order
to secure both the nation's ports and the contents of ships coming or leaving
port.
The adminsitration, he said was mandeted by government to mediate between the
IMO and various layers of the maritime industry.
It is in this regard that PMSi, an internationally recognised company, is being
recruited to draw up a plan for the port security, implement it, train port
personnel, and upgrade the security of the ports in general so that it could be
maintained after their departure.
The aim is primarily to satisfy the international community that we are serious
about the security problem facing the world, and that we are complying with the
implementation of the ISPS code.
He noted that if we are not able to do this, then it will be very hard for
ships to visit our ports or ships visiting other ports from here, because of
security threats associated with half-haerted security measures.
He assured all that they have made the right choice, and called on participants
at the training programme to take the course seriously.
The newly appointed chairman of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA),
Captain A.R. Macauley gave a background to the establishement of the security
program, saying it is not of our own making but in consideration of the
security of the entire world.
He said that with the new company, ports facilities would be developed, there
will be training programmes, the port security will be assessed at regular
intervals, updated and or improved to meet international standards.
He also spoke on the need for the public to understand that there will be a
cost component to the arrangement, saying that someone has to pay for the
enhanced security.
He said they will be negotiation with all stakeholders to find out who must pay
for what and what not to pay for.
The Chairman of the SLMA, Mr. Lenk Massaquoi also reiterated the need for
public understanding of the costs involved, and the importance of the training
that will be organized by the security group.
The PMSi technical director, Peter Southwood praised the current security set-
up at the ports, saying the staff was doing very well.
He went on to talk about access control and other aspects of his work, which he
said was the crucial point of his engagement here.
He called for a security culture to be developed among the people, and promised
to do his best, on behalf of his company, to ensuer that the security at our
ports were upgraded to admirable standards by all.
The acting General Manager of the ports, Alhaji Brima Denkein, also make a
brief statement during which he thanked the security group for their initiative
and discussed port charges in relation to prices on the streets.

   

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