Sierra Leone Government Appoints PMSi to Ensure Port Security

The Government of Sierra Leone has appointed Port Maritime Security International (PMSi) to manage the security of the countrys ports.

(PRWEB) July 6, 2004 -- Sierra Leone Government Appoints PMSi to Ensure Port Security

The Government of Sierra Leone has appointed Port Maritime Security International (PMSi) to manage the security of the countrys ports.

Mr Philips Lukuley, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), says the security services company, a subsidiary of Eurotunnel plc, has been recruited to

-draw up and implement a plan for port security

-train port personnel

-upgrade the security of the ports in general.

He says the West African country recognises that it needs to meet the new, stricter, international security requirements if it wants to keep trading with the rest of the world.

PMSi was initially brought in to provide its DNV-certified courses for ISPS code compliance. Technical Director Peter Southwood says he is very impressed with the Sierra Leone Governments commitment to improving its security.

They have already undertaken significant steps to upgrade their security and I know they are committed to implementing all measures necessary to ensure they comply with international security requirements."

Mr Southwood says an important part of PMSis work is to help instill a security culture throughout the whole port community. After our assessment, we will make recommendations about equipment and procedures and so on. But it is equally important that a security culture is developed -- that everyone involved accepts they have a role to play in maintaining security."

He is confident that the government will do everything it can to encourage the port authorities in Freetown and the smaller ports to instill this security culture.

PMSi, with more than ten years experience managing the security at the Channel Tunnel, is uniquely qualified to work with the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA). We are not proposing security systems based on theoretical situations, but on a decade of hands-on work," says Mr Southwood.

Captain A.R. Macauley, the newly appointed chairman of the SLPA, says that working with PMSi will lead to the port facilities being developed. By assessing port security at regular intervals, the facilities would be continuously updated or improved to meet international standards.

He says the appointment of such an experienced and respected company proves to the international community that Sierra Leone is serious about the security problem facing the world and about complying with the implementation of the ISPS code.

www.portmaritimesecurity.com

PMSi offers worldwide security services to the port, maritime, rail and logistics industries. It offers full security assessments and the design of total security plans for vulnerable facilities and assets. It also offers expert assistance in the selection, installation and operation of security related technical solutions.

David Anthony: +44 (0)1303 288655;
E-mail: david.anthony@portmaritimesecurity.com

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