The first of a series of three workshops of the ASEAN Regional Forum Training Series on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has taken place at IMO Headquarters in London (5-9 September). IMO hosted the workshop in partnership with the United States and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
The workshop was attended by 40 participants from 18 countries who learned about key subjects of access control; perimeter security and lighting; port management and security; and maritime security threats. The topics were presented by experts from IMO, the US Coast Guard, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Jamaica, and others.
Opening the workshop, IMO's Heike Deggim said, "Despite the ISPS Code nearing its 20 year anniversary, since its adoption in December 2002, many security challenges remain and it is more important than ever that all Member States ensure its effective implementation."
The activity included site visits to Portsmouth International Port and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, where participants attended presentations by members of the United Kingdom HM Coastguard on their daily work duties and maritime security.
The ASEAN Regional Forum provides a platform for security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region. It also aims at developing cooperative measures to enhance peace and security in the region. The Forum plans to produce a manual of good practice for the ASEAN region to show how SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ISPS Code requirements can be most effectively and practically implemented.
