SUVA – The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) will continue its assessments of all major ports and terminals in the country.
This is part of its ongoing commitment in ensuring Fiji continually improves and fulfills its international obligations the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
The ISPS Code is an essential part of maritime law that provides guidance to smaller countries like Fiji and the neighboring pacific nations on the implementation of maritime
security measures at Fiji’s international port of entries.
MSAF extends its gratitude to the management of all port facilities for their hard work during the global pandemic in manning the international forefront for our nation. This preliminary assessment by MSAF will verify the security efficacy of our port of entries and to assist the port facility securities on improving security measures if identified.
“The ISPS Code provides the legal structure in which ships and port facilities can work together to be able to detect and prevent any act which may threaten the maritime security
of any nation,” Manager Ships Inspection Captain Sesoni Komaisoso said.”
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.”
Additionally, the ISPS Code will also enable organisations at port facilities to ensure preventative and a systematic flow of procedures is in place if a security threat is determined
at any of its locations.
The goal in conducting the audit is to:
– Revisit and educate workers at port facilities in the detection and deterrence of
security threats within the individual locations, which is guided by the International
ISPS Code framework.
– Re-evaluate current processes and procedures to ensure a Port Facility Security Plan
is in place.
– To identify the levels of monitoring of activities carried out port facilities of people
and cargo operations.
– To enhance and be able to detect the different security threats in a port facility and
implement the measure as per the situation.
-To be able to clearly identify which level of security breach and to derive the plan for
any duty and functions of each port personnel if a threat is detected.
– To be able to clearly demarcate the respective roles and responsibilities of the
contracting governments, agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port
industries.
– To view data and other related information from other maritime stakeholders in
prominent risk and security threats and prepare plans and solutions in ensuring the
areas of concern are iron out before it reaches Fiji