Mozambique is boosting maritime security by aligning its national laws more closely with international IMO instruments, with technical assistance from the IMO. The organisation announced this progress on 11 September.
A legal review workshop trained staff from the Ministries of Transport and Maritime Affairs Authorities on how to incorporate IMO rules on port security and safety into Mozambique’s legal system.
The workshop guided participants in draughting laws that incorporate SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, focusing on compliance and enforcement measures. It also drew on guidance from MSC.1/Circ.1525 to shape national maritime security legislation.
The ISPS Code establishes a unified mandatory security framework for international shipping, enabling governments, companies, ports, and ships to share and assess security information effectively.
This workshop followed the first legal review session held in June 2023 under the EU-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Through this initiative, the IMO supports nine countries, including Mozambique, to enhance maritime security in line with the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Mr Simiááo Munguambe, Executive Administrator of ITRANSMAR, opened the workshop, which brought together 26 participants from agencies such as Customs, the Attorney General’s Office, the Nautical School, the Navy, the Ministry of Justice, the Railway and Port Institute, the Maritime Court, and the Coastal, Lake, and Riverine Police.
The IMO delivered this initiative in partnership with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), INTERPOL, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
source: africaports.co.za
