AFRICA Liberia: Arcelor Mittal, a global steel manufacturing corporation says it has organised an International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) training for 240 port workers and users in Buchanan, the third largest city in Liberia.
ISPS is a security measure put to confront unending international terrorism. It was implemented by the International Maritime Convention (IMO) as an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea convention.
The 240 trainees were coached on individual and collective tactics concerning safety and security within a marine facility. These cut across interpreting and implementing measures that will ensure compliance with maritime security requirements.
Furthermore, the trainees learned how to detect and prevent maritime threats and other security risks, such as Access Controls, Understanding Security Levels, and Conducting ISPS’ Drills and Exercises.
The six-day training which started last Thursday, according to Bobby A. Davis, AML’s Superintendent of Security and Port Facility, was conducted by Veteran Security Service Incorporated (VESSI), a certified maritime security consultant.
Davis said the training is a prerequisite for complying ports, including the Buchanan port currently being used by Arcelor Mittal Liberia to ship iron ores.
Davis said, “The 240 trainees, are employees and contractors of ArcelorMittal Liberia, including port users and personnel of Bolloré Logistics and Bureau Veritas Liberia (BVL).”
“In case of anything that will happen in the port, each employee, contractor, or port user should be aware of what to do. We do not want people to panic or go into disarray. So, we teach them to be able to conduct themselves properly when there’s any problem,” Davis added.
Retired Colonel O’Malley M.S. Lawrence, the Chief Executive Officer of VESSI, and Otis Vah, the General Manager in their remarks urged the participants of the training to utilise the acquired skills and knowledge while on duty.
Vah said: “Based on the training and our post-training interaction with the participants, we are sure that the port personnel of Arcelor Mittal are now aware of the procedures of the Port Facility Security Plan and are prepared to ensure compliance with the required regulations.”
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