Bahrain: PMA Conducts Sub-Regional Workshop on Maritime Security

The Ministry of Transportation’s Ports and Maritime Affairs (PMA) conducted a three-day sub-regional training workshop in partnership with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which provided an excellent platform for Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO) and maritime professionals to learn about the latest advanced technology systems used to enhance maritime security via the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) System.

The main objective of the workshop was to provide the attendees with the latest maritime security updates and train the PFSOs and maritime experts on how to make use of the latest advancement in the LRIT systems, including the LRIT architecture and its main components which will help bolster coastal security and maritime rescue operations. More than 50 participants attended the seminar which included representatives from the six GCC member states which was held at the Movenpick Hotel (Bahrain) from 24-26 September, 2012.

The exclusive three-day workshop was led by a team of experts from the IMO and IMO consultants from Pole Star Space Application Ltd, a UK based company, who delivered presentations highlighting the responsibilities and best practices associated with Maritime Security and the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS). In addition, participants also gained insight on the implementation of the provisions of the International Convention of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and SOLAS regulation on LRIT and several other topics on maritime security related technology.

Participants were also given the opportunity to engage in discussions which allowed all present to share their views and learn from each others’ experiences in the handling of the LRIT systems and implementation of the maritime security ISPS code within the respective GCC countries.

Bahrain is a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the PMA is committed and dedicated to fully and effectively implementing IMO sanctioned systems and standards to help further develop the global maritime industry. The PMA takes its role as the regulator of Bahrain’s maritime sector very seriously, and has signed a number of additional agreements (SOLAS – International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, STCW- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) to adopt international regulatory standards for safety, marine environment and others.