Whats New 2017
Mozambique gets fresh training on port security
A
five-day workshop on maritime security and The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code concluded today in
Maputo, Mozambique (24-28 July). The
course provided port facility security officers with the necessary knowledge to
perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of key IMO maritime
security measures*. As a
results, participants improved their knowledge and skills of those requirements with a view to train
others with similar responsibilities. The workshop included a port visit,
various group exercises and interactive activities - providing solid grounding on the oversight roles and
responsibilities of the designated authority. more...
IMO Council meets
The IMO Council is meeting for its 118th session (24-28 July), chaired by Mr Jeffrey G. Lantz (United States). The 40-Member Council is expected to review the work of the Organization since its last session and consider strategy and policy matters, including the proposed budget for the 2018-2019 biennium. (click for photos) more...
Port cooperation and maritime security in Belize
Identifying and dealing with potential threats to port security operations was at the core of a three-day workshop in Belize City, Belize (18-20 July). The event took a closer look at security needs and associated risks. Through interactive presentations and discussions between participants the workshop helped identify opportunities for increased collaboration between government agencies and port owners/operators as well as assessing port security training priorities. The workshop also discussed specific issues around Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSAs) in keeping with the international requirements in IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, for example, identification and evaluation of important assets and infrastructure which are to be protected. more...
Looking at long range identification and tracking
The Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system provides for the global identification and tracking of ships. During a recent workshop in Tunis, Tunisia, (17-18 July), held on the request of the Government of Tunisia, participants were briefed on the functioning, operation and use of the LRIT system, taking into account the provisions in IMO’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and relevant standards and guidance. more...
Oil spill response workshop in Senegal
The use of oil spill dispersants, which can be used to break down an oil slick into smaller droplets as part of response efforts, is the subject of a workshop taking place in Dakar, Senegal (17-20 July). Participants from 11 countries* are attending the sub-regional workshop, which will analyse national policies on dispersant use and provide training on further development and implementation of these policies. more...
Addressing the migrant crisis
The loss of life of migrants at sea is a humanitarian tragedy that needs to be addressed through appropriate and effective action at the United Nations. IMO recognizes the crucial role played by both Government and non-governmental organizations in search and rescue operations, as well as the part played by merchant ships in coming to the aid of persons in distress at sea. During the second workshop of the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM), Geneva (18-19 July), IMO’s Julian Abril told the meeting that in 2016, 121 ships were involved in the rescue of 13,888 people. more...
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals
IMO has a key role in implementing a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which relate directly or indirectly to the oceans, protection of the environment and the maritime industry. How to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and implement the UN SDGS is therefore a key theme which underpins the work of IMO's Technical Co-operation Committee, which oversees IMO's integrated technical co-operation programme (ITCP). more...
A maritime security strategy for Cameroon
Work
to assist the Government of Cameroon to develop a national maritime security
strategy is underway in Yaoundé (5-14 July). Senior Government officials from
departments and agencies concerned with maritime matters are attending meetings
with an IMO consultant with a view to setting up a maritime security committee.
This committee will set the course for a draft programme and strategy to
enhance the country’s maritime security. more...
IMO gets a visit from the next generation of maritime workers
Students from the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) visited IMO Headquarters for their student forum (11-12 July). Its theme was that of IMO’s World Maritime Day - “Connecting Ships, Ports and People”. The visit, which brought over 60 students from all over the world, provided a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about IMO and the maritime industry. The students also took part in workshops where they tackled real industry issues such as attracting and retaining seafarers, quality training on board and gender equality in the maritime industry. They then had to write short reports on the topics discussed during each workshop. more...