IMO is working with the Mauritian maritime administration to put in place a legal framework that gives full and complete effect to IMO instruments dealing with maritime security. A three-day workshop (2-4 May) in Port Louis, Mauritius, hosted by the Shipping Division, under the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, has brought together 30 participants from key national agencies*.
Opening the event, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, the Mauritian Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, welcomed the capacity building initiatives provided under the project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. In his key-note address, he stressed the need for enhanced cooperation at both regional at international level, to be able to respond to maritime security threats.
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Land, Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, also welcomed the initiative. Emphasising the importance of establishing a framework in the region, he stated that port security and safety of navigation remains a top priority for Mauritius.
Topics discussed during the event include flag, port, and coastal State obligations relevant to the ISPS Code, as well familiarity with the content of IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1525 on Guidance for the development of national maritime security legislation.
It is anticipated that future workshops will involve further IMO collaboration with implementing partners, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL, with coordination from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and funding from the European Union.
The workshop is the latest in a series of activities under the EU-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Under the project, IMO aims to assist the nine beneficiary countries to enhance maritime security and safety within the region in line with the 2050 Africa's Integrated Maritime Strategy.
* The Office of the Attorney General; Prime Minister's Office; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping (Shipping Division, and Fisheries Division); Mauritius Port Authority; Mauritius Police Force; National Coast Guard; Mauritius Revenue Authority; Tourism Authority; Mauritius Radio Services; National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Centre (NDRRMC); Passport & Immigration Office; Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd.
