A Team of US Coast Guard had on Thursday 21st April 2022 paid a courtesy visit to the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay to ensure that Ports Authority is working in compliance with the International Ports Security Standards. During an interactive session with the performance oriented management of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), the Team from US Embassy revealed that the purpose of their visit was to assess the Ports, looking at areas that they will advise them as to what to do inorder to uphold set standards of the Ports, ranging from security to other areas of importance.
It was also emphasized that access control, seeing how customers were coming in, the use of technology are key in the daily operations of the Ports, adding that assessing the whole and other security areas that would be necessary for them is also vital. The management of SLPA introduced NSBT, Bollore and Ports’ staff to the visitors and assured that they will fix another date and inform them of a second visit, as the session was remarkable.
However, NSBT and Bollore were asked by the Deputy General Manager of SLPA, Mr Yankuba Bio to get ready for their sites’ visits.
The site visit was led by the DGM Mr Yankuba A. Bio.
The reason for the creation of the International Ship and Ports security Facility code (ISPS ) Audit was as a result of the 11th September 2011 attack at the World Trade Centre and Pentagon by air.
And the US Coast Guard thought that the possibilities of using the sea ports is also great.
The GM of SLPA, Dr. Fofana intimated that the idea of the visit is to assess the Port in terms of ISPS CODE. He updated that they will take a tour at the Ports and advice the Ports on what they need to do when it comes to international Security Standards.
He furthered that the Ports operational and marinetime safety and Security aspects have considerably improved.
The Representative from the ISPS Team said the visit was to look at ACCESS CONTROLS, INCREASING PORTS SECURITY, TRAINING AND DRILLING EXERCISES. In essence, the visit was a pre assessment, he added.
The PFSO Captain, Alpha Yayah Bangura who also doubles as the Harbour Master of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority explained that the Ports comprises of trained and qualified SLPA securities, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Navy who are directly answerable to the GM. It was also stated that SLPA is working on a biometric ID card system for all Port users with different logos that will identify the different Port operators.
Furthermore, they were assured that Ports also have their own investigating branch that serves as CID to set quality investigations and background checks for criminals. It was elucidated that a total of Forty-Six (46) CCTV Cameras with 24hr surveillance to cover the entire perimeter of the Ports have been installed.
By and large, challenges ranging from security to scanning of vehicles were highlighted among others.
The only priority now according to them is cargo scanning. The Administrative building they unveiled located at the operational area of which Management is trying to relocate inorder to avoid congestion at the Ports.
The DGM explaimed that the Port is now working towards getting a single window system wherein it will eliminate excessive and unnecessary human access to the port (thereby eliminating excessive crowds who do not necessarily have business at the port, sellers, bystanders, etc) making securing the port easier. This enhances easier and efficient clearing of goods.
Head of the US Coast guards, observed pleasantly that -:
-There has been alot of improvement by this new management marking an increase in the value of the Port.
-That he appreciates the professionalism put into the work at the ports by Management- especially the DGM.
Conclusively, the visit was climaxed by the vote of thanks which was delivered by the Deputy PFSO Mr. Eustace Rogers, Head of security. The Management of SLPA re-affirmed that they will keep trying to improve themselves and lavished thanks to the Mari-time Administration for closely working with them to ensure that smooth operations of the Ports are carried on.
