Tanzanian ports to bolster security through practical drills and exercises

Ports across the United Republic of Tanzania are enhancing their preparedness to respond to maritime security threats, following key training in Dar es Salaam (6-10 October).

The workshop equipped Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) and port management staff with hands-on skills to plan and conduct effective security drills and exercises.

Using the APEC Manual of Maritime Security Drills and Exercises for Port Facilities as a guide, participants learned to enhance coordination and implement Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs) more effectively across the country’s ports.

The manual was created to support port facilities in conducting regular maritime security drills and exercises, as required under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

“These drills and exercises serve not only as practice, but as vital opportunities to assess our preparedness and refine our responses and procedures in line with national and international standards,” said Ms. Stella Katondo, Director of Transport, Environment and Safety at the Ministry of Transport.

The United Republic of Tanzania expressed its commitment to adopting a practical, whole-of-government approach to maritime security, as recommended by IMO.

The workshop brought together 24 participants from key institutions, including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), SHIPCO, Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA), Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC), and the Zanzibar Multipurpose Terminal (ZMT).

This training forms part of the European Union-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (Port Security Project), which supports nine participating countries. Through this initiative, IMO continues to help States enhance maritime security and safety in line with the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIMS).

Source : IMO