National legislation enables provisions of IMO treaty instruments to be implemented in each country. IMO is assisting countries with this process. The latest workshop was held in Mombasa, Kenya (31 October-3 November).
IMO is working with the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs of Kenya, to strengthen the legal framework related to IMO instruments dealing with maritime security. Particular emphasis is on the legislative drafting process to support domestication of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, including control and compliance measures.
The workshop brought together 25 participants from various agencies, including Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, National Police Service, Office of the Attorney General (Department of Legislative Drafting), Office of the Director, Public Prosecutions, State Department for Foreign Affairs, State Department for Immigration and Citizen’s Service, State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. 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.
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 participating countries to enhance maritime security and safety within the region in line with the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy.