MAJOR ports and terminals are being assessed around the country.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is carrying out its assessments of ports and terminals in a quest to improve and fulfil its International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) obligations.
The ISPS code is an essential part of maritime law which provides guidance to smaller countries such as Fiji and the neighbouring Pacific nations on the implementation of maritime security measures at Fiji’s international port of entries.
According to MSAF, the preliminary assessment will verify the security efficiency of its port of entries and assist the port facility security.
The authority’s ships inspection manager, Captain Sesoni Komaisoso said the ISPS code provided the legal structure in which ships and port facilities could work together to be able to detect and prevent acts that may threaten the maritime security of any nation.
“It is crucial for us at MSAF to carry out this audit, as it will assist us in identifying areas that needs to be strengthened within inter-agencies and the various organisations that work hand in hand in ensuring security is maintained at port facilities,” Mr Komaisoso said.
The ISPS code would enable organisations at port facilities to ensure preventive and a systematic flow of procedures are in place if there is a security threat at any of its locations.
