THE CARIBBEAN Shipping Association (CSA) will host a two-day workshop at the Royal Antiguan Hotel in Antigua & Barbuda, April 6-7, focusing on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The objectives of the course are to create an understanding of the ISPS Code, the actions required for implementation and to provide an overview of the maritime security framework at ports and terminals in the region.
Target groups include exporters, importers, hauliers, wharf operators, shipping agents, custom brokers, security personnel, the private sector and members of the public.
The ISPS Code which takes effect on July 1, 2004 is being implemented by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and outlines specific guidelines and requirements for ships and port facilities to meet in order to be certified for trading with other ports. Failure to comply will mean being blacklisted.
Mr. Stephen Bell, general manager of the CSA said, as a regional body, the CSA wanted to be at the forefront of providing relevant information to its members, while adding that the workshop was one way of ensuring that this happened.
MAIN PROVIDER
He said expert port security manager, Captain John Ulett, would be the main presenter at the workshop. Mr. Ulett currently heads Security Administrators Limited (SAL), the main provider of security at Port Bustamante, Kingston.
"We cannot have too much information on this matter. There are certain requirements that must be met, and we (regional port facilities) have to ensure we have what it takes to play...," Mr. Bell observed.
