Port Security and Safety
Port Security and Safety
American Experts Reassess the PAK
This mission, conducted on July 14, 2021 — three years after the first of its kind — had as its main objective to confirm the Port Authority of Kribi’s (PAK) compliance with the requirements of the ISPS Certification, that is, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
This code, created in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks by international regulatory organizations, is particularly stringent regarding practices and methods aimed at identifying and preventing any unlawful acts against commercial vessels, people, and cargo. It is also a cooperation framework that the Government of Cameroon has joined by signing the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea).
The process began with a preparatory meeting at the headquarters of the port authority, attended by PAK’s top management — namely, Mr. Patrice MELOM, Director General, and Mr. BAKO HAROUNA, Deputy Director General.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Scott TRAUTMAN, head of the American delegation, thanked the PAK for the warm welcome and the arrangements made to facilitate the mission’s progress.
The group, composed of inspectors and a few officials from the transport sector, then proceeded to the port facilities located in Mboro, 35 kilometers from the city of Kribi. This time guided by Mr. Bertrand NDI, the Port Captain, they toured the docks, storage areas, the Harbor Master’s buildings, and all access points. Along the way, they conducted interviews, took measurements, and made detailed notes.
Based on the general impressions expressed by the American experts on July 14 — namely, “great satisfaction beyond expectations regarding ISPS Code compliance” — the most probable scenario is the renewal of the ISPS certification. This development will contribute significantly to enhancing the Port of Kribi’s attractiveness by placing it on the green list of ports eligible for maritime trade facilitation with the United States.
