Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, the attack on the oil tanker, Limburg, in Yemen, and the Bali bombings, concern about terrorism and global awareness of security have increased.
Security is essential in seaports where there is an international exchange of passengers and goods. World trade is dependent on maritime transport, and PNGs maritime sector is integral to the nation’s economic well being
Protecting the maritime industry from the threat of terrorism is a major international and national priority.
In response to the global maritime risk of terrorism, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in December 2002, and the PNG Government enacted the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Security) Regulations 2005.
This legislation recognizes the importance of detecting and deterring any unauthorized activity within security regulated ports, safeguarding against unlawful interference with maritime transport and port facilities and requires that port operators and ships have a Security Plan.
These plans outline the security measures and procedures that port facility operators and ships undertake to protect port facilities and vessels that engage in trade PNG seaports.
PNG Ports Corporation Limited operates twelve Security Regulated Ports in Papua New Guinea. They are the ports of:
Alotau Buka Daru Kavieng Kieta Kimbe Madang Oro Port Moresby Rabaul Vanimo Wewak
PNGPCL is responsible for landside and waterside security within these regulated ports.
All ports have a Port Security Plan that has been approved by the Department of Transport, and as part of our security regime we have:
- A Security Manager that oversees and provides leadership to the PNGPCL Security Department to ensure delivery of Security functions, Co-ordinates Implementation of the IMO ISPS Code in all the security regulated ports, and ensure implementation of Port Security Plans by respective Port Facility Security Officers.
- Appointed all Port Managers as designated Port Security Officers to implement and maintain Port Security plans.
- Engaged external security companies to assist with access controls and security patrols at some of our busier ports.
- Put up signage that indicates the access restrictions to port facilities and other maritime security zones within the port.
PROCEDURES
The ISPS Code and the PNG Merchant Shipping (Maritime Security)Regulation 2005 includes measures to prevent unauthorized access to all port facilities operated by PNGPCL, ships at the facilities, and restricted areas of the facilities. Generally anyone entering a port facility must have photo identification to assist in passing access control and entering the premises either as an employee, visitor or member of a ship’s crew, while vehicles entering or mobile plant and equipment operating in a port facility must have a vehicle pass.
To assist access control and port-related businesses in all its controlled ports, PNGPCL has in place a Security Identity Card and vehicle pass system to provide the necessary personal and vehicle or mobile plant and equipment information that will generally be required to satisfy the access control points. These ID Cards and Access Passes are issued to PNGPCL employees, Port User employees, clients and their agents at the authority of the CEO, PNG Ports Corporation Limited. Port Managers are the delegated authorities to the CEO to authorize issue of Photo ID Cards and Access Passes. Proper screening processes shall be applied prior to the approval and issue of ID Cards and Vehicle Passes. Such screening shall include police character checks, character reference and vehicle registrations and road worthiness.
A common identity card and vehicle pass format is available for all port-related business. Each participating business or individual will formally sign an agreement with PNGPCL, as the Issuing Authority. The agreement will record conditions of use and any specific requirements with regard to the issuing of ID Cards Vehicle Passes. A unique ID Card and Vehicle Pass numbering system is maintained.
The types of ID cards and Access Passes that are available include;
- Photo ID Cards
- Temporary Passes
- Visitor Cards, and
- Vehicle Passes
A fee is charged for individual ID Cards, and Vehicle Passes issued to cover material and administrative costs. Visitor Cards and Temporary Passes are issued at no cost.
1. Photo ID Cards
PNGPCL ID Cards are issued to PNGPCL staff, port users and employees of companies or organizations who operate within the port or are engaged to do business on regular basis in all PNGPCL ports.
Multiple Access ID Cards are issued to staff from Port User Companies and organizations whose line of business takes them to two or more PNGPCL Port Facilities. A written request for such request is required explaining need for multiple access along with the ID Application form and approved by the Port Manager of the issuing port. Port Manager of issuing port will send list of all names and postal addresses of persons issued multiple access cards to the Port Manager for dissemination to other ports and copy to the ID Card holder.
The following procedures must be applied and requirements observed when applying for PNGPCL ID Cards.
- 1.1 Port User Companies and organizations must ensure that staffs are given port security and safety induction prior to applying for PNGPCL Photo Identification Cards. Proof of induction must be clearly noted on the ID application form.
- 1.2 The ID application form must be filled and signed by port user, employee and company manager agreeing on conditions of issue and use of ID Card/s and present to respective port management for screening/approval and payment process.
- 1.3 ID application form must have, among other details;
- Name of Company/Organization,
- Name of person to be issued photo ID,
- Occupation of person to be issued photo ID, and
- Nature of business or why pass is required
- 1.4 Incomplete and unsigned applications will not be processed.
- 1.5 On receipt of application port management must ensure application is properly filled and signed for, and that applicant is briefed on PNPCL’s rights to withdraw the ID card if PNGPCL security and safety requirements and conditions of entry and exit in all PNGPCL ports are violated before approving application.
- 1.6 Approved application form and payment receipt will then be presented to ID clerk for photograph and ID processing.
- 1.7 Once issued, Photo ID Cards must be worn at all times while within the port limits.
- 1.8 ID Cards must be presented on demand by security engaged by PNGPCL, it’s agents or port management.
- 1.9 PNGPCL Photo ID Cards remain the property of PNGPCL and as such are subject to withdrawal by port management for breach of security or safety rules or conditions specified in the application form.
- 1.10 Similar fees will apply for replacement of lost, stolen, broken or worn cards through the same application process
- 1.11 All ID cards expire on the 31st of every year for all Port Users and Clients while 31st December every three years for all PNGPCL staff.
- 1.12 Expired cards must be returned to PNGPCL ID clerk or retrieved from holder at the time of renewal.
2. Temporary Permits
Temporary Permits are issued to non regular companies, individuals or organizations that have business need to enter the port after prior arrangement with Port Authority/Manager. Separate Temporary Permits are required for vehicles.
The following procedures must be applied and requirements observed when applying for Temporary Permits.
- 2.1 A written application must be lodged by the company, organization or individual to the Port Manager specifying;
- Company, Individual or Organization name,
- Nature of business or why a temporary permit is required.
- Temporary Permits are written in duplicate and approved by Port Authority/Manager. No fees are applicable for temporary Permits.
- Port Authority/Manager must ensure that port security and safety inductions are carried out and understood by applicants before Temporary Permits are issued.
- Temporary Permits are valid for the day of issue only therefore must be retrieved at the gate on completion of business.
- Temporary Permits must be surrendered to Port Authority/Manager on demand.
3. Visitor Cards
Visitor Cards are issued to authorized visitors to the ports and offices. Visitor cards are numbered and maintained at security access points at the port gates and office receptions. The following procedures will be applied in administering issue process.
- 3.1 Authorized visitors must be registered as a visitor in a register book at the security access point specifying;
- Name of person/persons, Company or Organization,
- Name of person/persons, Company or Port User intended to visit, and
- Date and time of visit.
- 3.2 Security officer must contact person/persons, Company or Port User visitor intends to visit.
- 3.3 If approved/agreed for visitor to be allowed access, visitor pass must be issued and number must be recorded on visitor register book.
- 3.4 Security officers must ensure that port security and safety inductions are carried out and understood by visitors before Visitor Cards are issued.
- 3.5 Visitor Passes are valid for the duration of visit only, therefore must be retrieved at the gate on completion of visit.
4. Vehicle Passes
PNGPCL Vehicle Passes are issued to PNGPCL staff, port user companies and employees of companies or organizations that do businesses or who operate within the port or are engaged to do business on regular basis in all PNGPCL ports. Two types of Vehicle Passes are issued:
- Commercial Vehicle Pass, and
- Personal Vehicle Pass
Commercial Vehicle Passes are issued to cargo cartage trucks and mobile plant and equipment such as cranes and forklifts etc. while Personal Vehicle Passes are issued to utilities and sedans.
The following procedures must be applied and requirements observed when applying for PNGPCL Vehicle Passes.
- 4.1 Port Users, Companies and organizations must agree to port security and safety requirements and conditions of entry and exit when applying for Vehicle Passes. Agreement must be clearly noted on the Vehicle Pass application form (Appendix B.)
- 4.2 The Vehicle Pass application form must be filled and signed by the manager of the organization, company or owner of vehicle in the case of private vehicles specifying;
- Company, Individual or Organization name,
- Vehicle registration number,
- Vehicle Make and Model,
- Color description, and
- Nature of business or why pass is required.
- 4.3 Port Authority/Manager must ensure that current valid Roadworthy Inspection and Motor Vehicle Registration Certificates are produced along with application.
- 4.4 On receipt of application Port Authority/Management must ensure application is properly filled and signed for and that applicant is briefed on PNGPCL’s rights to withdraw the Vehicle Pass/s if PNGPCL security and safety requirements and conditions of entry and exit in all PNGPCL ports are violated before approving application and issue of Vehicle Pass.
- 4.5 Once issued, Vehicle Passes must be prominently displayed for ease of visibility.
- 4.6 PNGPCL Vehicle Passes remain the property of PNGPCL and as such are subject to withdrawal by port management for breach of security or safety rules or conditions specified in the application form.
- 4.7 Similar fees will apply for replacement of broken, torn or worn Passes through the same application process.
- 4.8 All commercial, mobile plant/equipment and personal Vehicle Passes expire on the 31st of December of every year.
PNGPCL does not issue Multiple Access Vehicle Passes. Hire other vehicles used by Port Users and Contractors with Multiple Port Access ID Card holder on business trips intending to access any PNGPCL port for business must notify Port Management for approval for a Temporary Permit for vehicle prior to visit.
A Temporary Permit will be issued at the approval of the Port Manager or his delegate valid for the duration of visit. Port Facility Security Officer is to ensure a copy of approved Temporary Permit is issued to gate security to maintain until visit is complete.
