by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Port security is an important security operation in Papua New Guinea. One of the organisations responsible for carrying out this important operation is PNG Ports Corporation Limited. The organisation ensures all operations necessary to keep port security are of quality and of required standard.
In 2003, in an effort to improve port security in the Pacific, the U.S. Coast Guard, a military organisation that has safeguarded the nation’s maritime interests and environment around the world, developed the International Port Security Program. The primary aim of the program was to help reinforce the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security or ISPS Code.
For Papua New Guinea like many other countries, ISPS Code was a vital requirement to enhance its port security services around the country. In 2004, the country became a signatory to the ISPS Code and this has seen engagement with the Coast Guard team.
The team recently visited the country and met with the Department of Transportation. From 17th-21st October, members of the Coast Guard had a bilateral engagement with PNG’s officials, to observe the implementation of the ISPFS Code in Kavieng and Port Moresby.
During the engagement, the Coast Guard team shared best practices with PNG’s official. They also visited the two sites for the implementation of the ISPFS Code to observe and assess its effectiveness.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Darain Kawamoto, liaison officer, U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard appreciated Papua New Guinea’s invitation and their commitment and efforts to improve port security in the Pacific.
With its aim to reducing risk to U.S Maritime interests, including U.S. ports and ships and facilitate secure maritime trade globally, Coast Guard unit coordinates with over 40 other countries to execute these bilateral engagement to enhance and improve port security.
PNG through this engagement will see improvements and enhance its port security operations.
