Ports implement new security system

Iraqi ports will be among the first in the world to comply with a new United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) code to improve port and shipping security. The new International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code will prevent unauthorised access to ships and ports by people or goods. This means that ships will only be able to dock at ports if they have a valid International Ship Security Certificate. However, it is expected that the implementation of the code by both ships and ports will vary from country to country. Even within a port, different terminals will have different types of security arrangements. But in order for the code to be implemented properly, the ports must first meet the requirements set by international safety standards, Mahmoud Saleh Abdel Nabi, general director of Iraqi ports, told IRIN in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. "During the whole of last year, we were very eager to make Iraqi ports in the south secure. But now, because of the new UN code, we have had to accelerate the training of Iraqi personnel, especially during the last three weeks," he said. These officials will be responsible for safeguarding the entry of ships and personnel, in addition to other security procedures, he explained. Abdel Nabi added that the training would soon be completed. The new ISPS Code took effect on 1 July 2004, although many countries are still to take it on board fully. Iraqi authorities say they are almost ready. Twelve international companies competed to implement the ISPS Code in the southern ports of Umm Qasr, Khor Al-Zubayr and Abu Flus. A fourth port at Al-Maq'al is not yet operational. The successful ones made security assessments of each Iraqi port and devised security plans for port facilities and properly trained security staff. The ISPS Code was first introduced by the IMO following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. It established methods to identify security threats and take the appropriate action. The IMO is the United Nations' specialised agency with responsibility for the safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. Certain international procedures are to be complied with under the code. "Insurance companies such as Lloyd's of London will verify our security arrangements to see if we meet the necessary criteria," Abdel Nabi said. "Such a company must check procedures such as whether the terminal is protected by a properly manned gate. It also has to validate if we have an effective security fence around the terminal to keep out intruders," he explained. Security for port staff and visitors will also be tight with the need for everyone to wear identification cards. A spokesperson for the now disbanded Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in southern Iraq told IRIN: "These regulations ensure that ports are more secure from attacks and terrorist threats. This reduces shipping insurance rates and allows them to service more ships. But ships that do not comply with the new code will be prevented by their insurers or by the port authorities from docking at other ports." Figures given to the IMO by member governments indicate that, worldwide, more than 86 percent of ships and 69 percent of port facilities had their security plans approved by 1 July 2004, and the figures are rising rapidly, according to the organisation.