Authorities in Comoros are strengthening their capacity to inspect foreign ships calling into the country’s ports to ensure they comply with global safety and environmental regulations, set by IMO. Substandard vessels can pose threats to seafarers and the economy of coastal States.
A national workshop delivered by IMO on Port State Control in Anjouan, Comoros (22-25 July) gathered 24 participants from the three major islands in the Comoros archipelago. They included government officials and representatives from the Comoros Maritime Authority (ANAM) and Comoros Port Authority (SCP).
The training focused on enhancing their capacity and knowledge about the application of control and compliance measures under International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), specifically Chapter XI-2 on special measures to enhance maritime security. Participants also discussed ways to reduce the volume of substandard ships that call at Comoros’ ports.
Theoretical lessons are supplemented by practical exercises at the port of Mutsamudu in Anjouan, with hands-on training on how to carry out effective control and compliance measures on ships. Participants shared their experiences, knowledge and best practices.
The training was delivered by IMO as part of the Port Security Project funded by the European Union. The project is coordinated by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and implemented jointly by IMO, INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).