A Regional Training Course for Port Facility Security Auditors has taken place in Bangkok, Thailand (19-22 September) to help build knowledge and skills in effective oversight procedures in line with key IMO maritime security measures, including the relevant provisions of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. These include assistance on how to conduct port facility security audits and effective preparation for reporting and the follow-up actions those generate.

Contracting Governments to the SOLAS Convention can establish Designated Authorities within Government which are responsible for maritime security. The Designated Authority sets the appropriate security level, verifies compliance of port facilities, approves port facility security assessments and plans, and is responsible for testing the effectiveness of the port facility security plans and the security measures outlined therein.

The training course was attending by 27 officials representing the Designated Authorities from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It was funded by the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom.