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The Security and Logistics section provides a comprehensive posting of all the latest Customs, port security, and logistics related news. Have news to submit? Email the Editor.
Feb 08, 2010 INTERTANKO gets involved with the anti-piracy debate in the Phillippines A new regulator, with help from INTERTANKO, is aiding the Philippines in developing an anti-piracy course for its seafarers.

Effective 1st February 2010, all manning agencies in the Philippines should provide, at no cost to their seafarers, an anti-piracy awareness training seminar for those signing on.

The new Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has been closely assisted by INTERTANKO in its genesis.

The industry’s 'Blue Book' entitled ‘Piracy The East Africa/Somalia Situation’ (produced by OCIMF, SIGTTO, INTERTANKO, ICS, INTERCARGO, International Group of P & I Clubs (IG), ICC, and BIMCO) will be used as the basis for the anti-piracy course, as endorsed by the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and POEA.

Piracy in East Africa/Somalia has been a long-standing issue in the Philippines. Initially, a recommendation to ban all national seafarers from vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden was the only solution being considered by the Philippines in order to protect the welfare of its seafarers.

The establishment of the POEA, however, was a collective decision to support measures that will address not only the adverse effects of pirate attacks, but also the anxieties and trauma suffered by their families.

INTERTANKO’s regional manager Asia/Pacific Tim Wilkins gave delegates at a recent Combating Piracy conference in Singapore a clear four-point message on what is essential to reduce the risk of a successful hijacking.

Wilkins provided details on the reasons that attacks have generally been successful, explaining that there are still operators not implementing these four basic points for improving a vessels’ security.

He emphasised a theme that was considered extensively at the conference, that of training. Wilkins said that crew training was an essential part of the pre-planning stage, adding that this stage was not something to be considered overnight, but something which takes time - up to three months - and resources.

With those, a ship and its crew can ready with effective SPMs so that both the software (training and drills) as well as the hardware (stores, razor wire etc) aspects of the BMP can be properly implemented on board.




Intermodal transportation: The next wave?Holidays are almost over, for those lucky enough to go on vacation. I spent my time away from the sea, and well above sea level. Just for reassurance. As you might know, the majority of Dutch grounds are below sea level (about 65%), and we keep dry feet by pumping water. Without that, we would build our sandcastle around "Amersfoort at the Sea" (a city some 80km inland). However, spending time in the Alps, some 800m above sea level, my rectangular box driven mind did not come to a complete standstill, wondering about hinterland transportation.
New Strategy & Development Director appointed at Dunkerque PortJean-Frédéric Laurent has just been appointed Strategy and Development Director of Dunkerque Port, replacing Pierre Joly on his retirement. He is 41.

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