SMSA reviews legal maritime framework to adhere to EU Port Security and Safety of Navigation |29 March 2022
Delegates in a souvenir photograph with guests after the opening ceremony (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is hosting a one-week workshop with key local maritime stakeholders to review its legal framework and IMO conventions with regard to the final phase of the European Union Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Project.
The workshop, being held at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Seychelles-Allamanda Resort and Spa, Anse Forbans, was opened yesterday by the Minister for Transport, Anthony Derjacques.
The legal review workshop, which will also include site visits in the port area, is being facilitated by four IMO consultants.
The project being funded by the European Union (EU) and which spans over a period of four years up to 2024, was initiated in Seychelles in 2020 and has been coordinated by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) while being implemented jointly by IMO, the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It is in line with the African Union security strategy 2050.
In order to ensure that the national laws reflect the respective international conventions, the outcome of the workshop is meant to assist with the proposal for the significant amendments to; the Merchants Shipping (International Ship Port Security Facility Code) regulations, 2020, SMSA Act 2019, Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and the Environment Protection Act 2016.
It will also involve an assessment of our country’s current commitment to relevant memoranda of understanding (MoUs) or Port State Control (PSC) and assisting marine authorities to ratify or to strengthen their implementation of relevant MoUs on PSC in order to reduce the volume of substandard vessels posing threats to seafarers and to the economies of the beneficiary states.
In his opening remarks, Minister Derjacques said that it was important to reiterate the benefits that the project has had and will continue to have on the country which is exclusively of strengthening the national authorities’ capacity for enabling safe navigation across East Africa, Southern African and the Indian Ocean and the development of port security legislation to more accurate reflection international laws and standards along with an accompanying compliance framework.
“The efficient implementation of a regional information-sharing mechanism and data exchange system for both cargo and passengers including fostering of closer compliance with international conventions and security standards at ports, while strengthening Seychelles’ capacity to enforce legal and regulatory frameworks, will empower the Seychelles to benefit from global maritime trade,” Minister Derjacques said.
He added that such compliance will ultimately promote economic growth and lead to a more prosperous future for the country while increasing technical expertise among relevant maritime organisations through more training opportunities.
He further added that the project will enhance the level of national security in the country, particularly within the port area while ensuring additional protection of marine lives in Seychelles waters by ratifying and subsequently implementing the Anti Fouling System Convention.
“Let us acknowledge the importance of transparency and accountability within relevant organisations by laying down proper procedures to follow in individual situations and familiarising maritime organisations within Seychelles with emergency plans and drills to ensure the utmost efficiency during times of emergency. This will also help to reduce the risk of loss of lives or injuries,” said Minister Derjacques, who thanked IMO for its continuous support to the country.
According to facilitator Mourad Ghorbel, IMO’s technical expert, who recapped on the project, the main objective of the project is to enhance safety and security in the Eastern African and Indian Ocean region.
He added that this is as a result of new emerging threats such as cyber and drone attacks, among others, which were not known or common in the past.
He noted that security is a must to ensure trade and commerce in the region and for the development of the economies of the nine islands and coastal countries across the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean.
As for the chief executive of SMSA, Captain Joachim Valmont, the review of legal framework to comply with international conventions and security standards at ports will allow our country to continue to be listed on the IMO white list.
Patrick Joubert