DAR ES SALAAM: MARITIME experts from several African countries have convened in Dar es Salaam for a two-day meeting this week to develop a regional, integrated maritime safety policy.
The focus of the discussions was on enhancing navigation and port security to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable movement of goods and passengers across regional waters.
The policy aims to address emerging threats, strengthen cooperation and create a unified approach to safeguarding maritime transportation in the region.
A Safety and Environment Director from Ministry of Works and Transport, Ms Stella Katondo, said at the beginning of the meeting on Wednesday that the policy will establish common standards among regional countries, ensuring the safety of vessels in port and at sea.
“Once we have a joint policy with equal standards for ships and cargo, players will know that this region guarantees the safety of their vessels,” she said.
The two-day meeting that ended yesterday brought together Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya, Angola, Namibia, Comoro, France on behalf of Reunion, Madagascar and Seychelles.
“These countries met to develop a unified policy, as multiple policies create implementation challenges that sail away from International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards. “When each country has its own standards, they fail to meet the goals set by the IMO,” she said.
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The Indian Ocean Commission (OIC) Officer in Charge, Mr Raj Mohabeer, said the policy process will take place within one year and be ready by the beginning of next year.
“One of the key steps in this process is to identify and close the existing gaps in compliance and capacity within the region. “By conducting workshops and discussions, stakeholders can ensure that all nations are aligned and have the necessary tools and knowledge to meet regional standards,” Mr Mohabeer said.
The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Director General, Mr Mohamed Salum, said that the meeting offers a valuable opportunity for discussing strategies aimed at enhancing operational performance and strengthening collective efforts in the maritime sector.
“Discussions also focus on port security, covering issues such as existing national frameworks for port access control, screening and inspection procedures, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance,” he said.
Mr Salum stressed that Port Security and Safety of Navigation (PSP) is crucial for enhancing security and navigation safety in the Eastern and Southern Africa Indian Ocean region.
Additionally, he cemented the importance of aligning these efforts with the African Union Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 to ensure a cohesive and sustainable approach to maritime safety.
The Indian Ocean region, with its vast maritime landscape, plays a crucial role in global trade and security since it is the home to two-thirds of the world’s maritime traffic.
