FPCL Conducts Training To Enhance Safety, Security
In its continuous bid to beef up safety and security in our Ports of Entry, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has started hosting a safety and security Port user License (PUL) training at the Mua-i-Walu House.
Chief executive officer of Fiji Ports Vajira Piyasena said the Induction training was essential for port users to familiarise themselves with issues conducted by FPCL Security and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department.
“OHS induction training is conducted to safeguard all staff and port users from the numerous safety hazards that they might encounter taking into account the nature of operations whilst within the port area,” Mr Piyasena said.
“The ports security department is different from other security sectors as it deals with Maritime Security Access Control,” he said.
He said Fiji was complying with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code; an additional security enhancement control measure implemented around the world after the events of September 11 (9/11) terrorist attack which in turn has been also audited by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and the United States Coast Guard.
“ISPS code prescribes responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to detect security threats and take preventative/control measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.
“Therefore, trainings conducted are important to ensure our Port User License (PUL) holders do not breach the ISPS Code and that our ports comply with the requirements set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the US Coast Guards.
“Training is usually conducted in Lautoka (Port of Lautoka license holders) and in Suva (Port of Suva license holders).
“There are also outreach programmes in place for companies who wish to have their trainings during working hours as PUL training is usually held after working hours from 5pm to 6pm.”
The recent training FPCL conducted was for William & Goslings, Transam and Golden Oceans staff .
There were a total of 35 PUL holders in attendance.
