U.S. Coast Guard Supports Papua New Guinea Port Security
A U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security Team visited Papua New Guinea in October to share best practices on port security.
Coast Guard personnel met with the Papua New Guinea Department of Transportation to observe the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code at two port facilities located in Kavieng and Port Moresby.
In 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard developed the International Port Security Program to reinforce the implementation of the ISPS Code.
Under the auspices of its International Port Security Program, a U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security team visits annually to assess the effectiveness of seaport anti-terrorism measures and provides recommendations to government officials to reduce the risk of a maritime security incidents and impacts to the global supply chain.
The Program seeks to reduce risk to U.S. maritime interests, including U.S. ports and ships, and to facilitate secure maritime trade globally. In the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Activities Far East unit coordinates with over 40 countries to execute these bilateral engagements.
“Every port stakeholder in every country has security responsibilities in our interconnected global economy. The Coast Guard appreciates Papua New Guinea’s invitation and their commitment and efforts to improve port security in the Pacific,” said Lt. Cmdr. Darain Kawamoto, liaison officer, U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East Division.