IMO : Enhancing maritime security in Somalia

LONDON : IMO has reinforced its commitment to strengthening maritime security in Somalia, hosting two capacity-building workshops in Berbera (10–12 February) and Bosaso (17–18 February). The workshops aimed to help Somali authorities establish effective national and port-level maritime security committees. 

The sessions promoted a whole-of-government approach to maritime security, bringing together personnel from a wide range of government agencies and stakeholders. Participants received guidance on IMO’s special measures to enhance maritime security (outlined in the ISPS Code and SOLAS Convention) and engaged in table-top exercises and discussions designed to foster inter-agency cooperation, coordination and communication.

Key concepts covered included how to establish and manage the committee, port facility security assessments and plans, risk assessments, risk registers and information sharing. Both events benefitted from ministerial-level participation, underscoring their strategic importance. 

In Berbera, 20 officials joined the event from the Port Authority, Coast Guard, Immigration, Customs and other port agencies. The Bosaso workshop brought together 18 participants from the Ministry of Marine Transportation and Ports, along with representatives from Immigration, Customs, Maritime Police Force and additional port agencies.