Recently, the Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The ISPS Code provides a framework for ships and port facilities to cooperate to detect and deter a threat to maritime security. The code enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework.
In a signing ceremony held on 18th July, The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula, and the Under Secretary of State for Aviation and Maritime Security at the Department of Transport in the UK, Charlotte Vere, signed the MOU.
The agreement outlined the essential areas of collaboration between the two nations to ensure the security of international ports. It also helps to reach a common framework for developing and implementing regulations according to the ISPS Code. In addition, the MoU will improve maritime safety standards in ports and overall port security measures.
One of the important highlights of the MoU is that both countries will cooperate to facilitate visits to each other’s ports for inspection purposes. These inspections ensure compliance with the ISPS Code in port operations. The visits will also allow both countries to hold joint seminars, meetings, and workshops on maritime safety and security.
Additionally, specialised programs will be conducted in both countries to support the development of technical expertise within the maritime transport industry. The programs will allow both countries to benefit from the ISPS Code. it will also ensure that both the Maldives and the UKs ports are of high-security standards.
Furthermore, the agreement includes the exchange of cooperation on consultancy activities related to the port security domain. The UK will also assist the Maldives in developing its maritime regulations, strategies, protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
