There is a need for local seafarers to broaden their knowledge about International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) security code.

ISPS security code is an essential maritime regulation that looks after the safety and security of ships, ports, cargo and crew.

The concern was raised by the During a four-day seminar on port facility security assessments & port facility security plans last week, Captain Komisoso said local seafarers are not aware of such security codes because Fiji doesn’t own any vessel in the foreign lane trade.

“We need our local seafarers to go out and learn new things,” he said.

“We only had a few people here during the seminar that when we talked about the ISPS, only a few people know about it because they have been in the field.”

“I am encouraging local seafarers to go out and explore because there is a lot of opportunities out there where all these things are implemented.”

He said part of the training was to help local participants understanding the various port safety measures and port security plans in place to make Port of Fiji a safe place for transshipments.

“We want to make sure that there are clear reporting lines in place which is why the U.S Coast Guards are here so when the ships pass by on the way to the U.S, they know that it has been passed through Suva and Lautoka which are two well organised ports which is why they are keen in conducting these trainings.”

MSAF in collaboration with the US Department of Homeland Security had organised the seminar.

The seminar is facilitated by the US Coast Guard with 20 participants from the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport and MSAF.

US Coast Guard, Lieutenant -Commander Christopher Schleck said Fiji has been making some great strides in becoming a great leader in the region.

“Primarily what we are working on is a great development and is building up some of the expertise and knowledge base from some of the Government officials and they are also giving opportunities to share it with the port facility operators on the ground.”

Lieutenant-Commander Schleck added, that through the seminar, participants are learning to enhance their access control for the port facility.

“They are learning enhancement of cargo screening and personnel searches.”

“So, all these are crucial to ensuring that we can keep the supply chain safe.”

Another training is planned in June that will address another section of the ISPS code which will be on people working on cruise liners.

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