July 1 this year was the first anniversary of the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, has reminded members of the need to ensure that their port security plans are kept current.

The ISPS Code was instituted worldwide by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to prevent the spread of terrorism through shipping.{{more}}

Addressing the CSA’s fourth annual Caribbean Shipping Executives Conference, held this year in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, May 23, 24 and 25, Robertson-Sylvester said: “I want to remind all our members that you have an obligation to ensure that your security plans are up-to-date and that the action plans that were submitted to the IMO remain at the top of the agendas of the Ports of the region.

“Your security plans must be constantly reviewed and assessed. I must remind members that a simulation of a terrorist threat at a port facility involving all parties – the Port Authority, Police, and Local Coast Guard – must be done to comply with the requirements of the ISPS regulations.”