ship-owners unite to address domestic shipping issues in

Newsletter published by the Transport Programme, Economic Development Division, SPC

ISSUEDECEMBER 2012

ISSN 1728-4473

www.spc.int/edd56

Efficient Pacific port operations vital for a nation’s economic growth

Ship-owners unite to address domestic shipping issues in the Pacific

Shipping

Central Pacific Shipping Commission ......... ........................... 3

Ship-owners unite to address domestic shipping issues in the Pacific .......................................................................... 4

Oil market report (September–November 2012) ..................... 6

Maritime training

Regional training course for simulator instructors ................. 7

Safety training for port staff and stevedores ........................... 8

FSHIL apprenticeships for succession planning ...................... 9

Maritime security

SPC works with Fiji to improve security of ports in Vanua Levu ........................................................................ 10

Fiji Ports assist others with compliance .................................. 11

NZ customs patrolling the northern waters............................. 12

Maritime security culture – Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australia ......................................................... 13

Maritime safety

Pacific Forum on domestic ferry safety .................................. 15

Brief development background of the Solomon Islands hydrographic unit ................................................................... 16

Maritime association

Efficient Pacific port operations vital for a nation’s economic growth ................................................................................... 17

Ports

New cruise tender landing jetty .............................................. 18

Other maritime news

IMO’s Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme for Pacific Island countries .......................................................... 19

Welcome to the Pacific maritime sector ................................. 20

In this issue:

© Secretariat of the Pacific Community 2012 Cover photo by: Shareen Taiyab (SPC)

SPC maritime provisional events calendar January to March 2013

Internal auditor training, Madang, PNG (14–18 January)

Do you receive SPC’s regular Maritime Information Bulletin? Comprising key maritime news items from the region, the bulletin is essential reading for anyone involved in the industry.

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ISSUEDECEMBER 201256

Disclaimer: All care and diligence has been used in extracting, analysing and compiling this publication, however, SPC gives no warranty that the information provided is without error.

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3Pacific Maritime Watch 2012 | Issue 56

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Central Pacific Shipping CommissionPacific Island countries, being disadvantaged by their geographical position, small size and distance from key markets, will always rely on shipping for their economic survival. But while all countries are now receiving regular and reliable shipping services, thanks to the efforts of shipping companies, the high cost of freight to the islands undoubtedly stifles even modest socio-economic growth.

The issue of affordability has international and national elements. It therefore falls on all stakeholders to address

this – shipping companies, agents, ports, border control agencies, importers, consignees, consumers – they all have a part to play. The members of the Central Pacific Shipping Commission (CPSC), comprising Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu, have taken the initiative to look into this issue.

Noting the outcomes of the 2012 Forum SIS Leaders’ Meeting decisions on supporting the efforts of CPSC to address sub-regional shipping challenges, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) organised a CPSC committee meeting that was held on 15 November 2012 at SPC Suva Regional Office, Fiji.

Six CPSC Committee members attended the meeting: Mr Phil Philippo, Chair and Marshall Islands Secretary

of Transportation and Communications; Josephius Tiobech, Deputy Director of Ports (Marshall Islands); Mrs Tarsu Murdoch and Mrs Teboranga Tioti, Secretary and Deputy Secretary respectively in the Kiribati Ministry of Communications, Transport and Tourism Development; Mr Lesi Olsson, Nauru Permanent Secretary for Transport; and Captain Taasi Pitoi, Director of Marine and Port Services, Tuvalu.

The members committed themselves to advancing the work of CPSC with agreed activities and timelines over the 2012–2013 period. The CPSC Committee will work in collaboration with SPC to collect and analyse relevant shipping statistics of shipping companies currently servicing the Central Pacific sub-region.

A taskforce comprising key stakeholders will assist in collecting trade and shipping data and monitoring shipping

CPSC committe meeting in Suva (15 November 2012)


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Ship-owners unite to address domestic shipping issues in the Pacific

‘The spirit is willing but the budget is weak’ is the typical response we get from ship-owners in the region when we try to address domestic shipping issues. Any ship-owner will openly admit that the shipping industry is one of the most challenging sectors to operate and survive in, given the increasing regulatory requirements, the shortage of good seafarers, high operating costs and increasing competition. That said, it must also be noted that there is a growing number of domestic vessels that are of a high standard and are operated and maintained accordingly.

Ship-owners and their representatives from Pacific Island countries and territories were in Suva attending Pacific

Domestic Ferry Safety Forum, which was co-hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with additional funding provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

It was at this meeting that PISA – the Pacific Islands Ship-owners’ Association – was born.

Pacific Island ship-owners have been exploring the concept of combining forces across the region for some time. Whilst money is a vital component in tackling domestic shipping problems, ship-owners realise that, by combining their efforts, real and practical progress can be made in addressing these problems.

‘We recognise the benefit of joining forces and working together to advance ship-owners’ interests. PISA will serve as the link to regional and international ship-owners and

Members of the Pacific Islands Ship-owners’ Association with IMO, SPC and Inter-ferry executives

developments and performance at the national level. It will also provide further recommendations for CPSC to deliberate on.

Taskforce membership extends to all stakeholders: maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, marine pilots, maritime training institutions, consumer council, shipping agents, freight forwarders, customs, bio-security, chamber of commerce, ministries responsible for external trade and also for commerce and health.

SPC was requested to continue to act as the secretariat for CPSC and assist in monitoring the functions of the commission’s activities.

By John RoundsShipping AdviserTransport Programme, EDD, SPC [email protected]


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operators,’ said Papalii Willie Nansen, CEO of Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd.

The members of PISA chose Papalii Willie Nansen, as their first Chair and Captain Viliami Vi, CEO of the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency Ltd, as Vice Chair. The Transport Programme of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community will act as Secretariat to PISA and provide technical assistance in addressing domestic shipping issues facing the region.

The initial objectives of PISA are:

1. to foster, develop and maintain close cooperation and coordination among members on shipping policies and other relevant matters of mutual and/or collective interest;

2. to assist any member on request, consistent with PISA policies and capability;

3. to formulate a common stand on national, regional and international matters concerning PISA members, especially in creating a balance of rights and responsibilities between the developed and developing countries in maritime transport;

4. to assist shipping services in order to achieve equitable, adequate, efficient and economic carriage of goods and passengers, particularly in the Pacific region, and promote the optimum growth of national, regional and international trade; and

5. to represent the members in their collective dealing with any government, organisation, shippers’ council and port authority.

PISA will initially be looking at the following practical issues:

• Work to improve the status of PISA members with governments and the public and to prevent tragedies at sea.

• Persuade governments to provide security for new vessel loans, [e.g. in the case of an experienced operator and the proposed vessel being a design proven suitable for task and with a proven residual value. This guarantee could be in the form of a government guarantee of usage of the vessel for ten years (even if the operator disappears) which is now a more common form acceptable to financiers.

• Encourage governments to cover the extra cost of minor modifications to these vessels to ensure their availability for:

1. search and rescue operations (extra communications equipment, helipad, and rescue zones with ease of access from waterline);

2. emergency response: tsunami and cyclone relief (same as above, but with a four-bed medical centre);

3. border/fisheries patrol (extra communications); and

4. cadet training on board, provided by shipping companies – which will also assist in addressing the above issues.

• Persuade regulators to reduce the amount of regulation to suit domestic shipping, including the removal of confusing and obsolete, arbitrary benchmarking.

• Persuade regulators to accept vessel nominations if approved by two neighbouring countries for a short international voyage (such as passenger cargo vessels that are not totally compliant to SOLAS, but are acceptable for long domestic voyages).

• Persuade governments to extend funding for ship berths, ship building and ship repair facilities.

• Support the setting up of service centres for life-saving and fire-fighting appliances, including the use of rigid flotation devices where appropriate.

• Improve the standard of coastal vessels to ‘world’s best practice’.

PISA, in securing the above, will improve the reliability, comfort, and safety standard of domestic vessels and at the same time improve the development projects of Pacific Island countries through reliability of shipping services.

After the forum, Mr Milhar Fuazudeen, Head of the Maritime Training and Human Element Section of the Maritime Safety Division of IMO remarked, ‘The desire to seek solutions outside the accepted norms led to the formation of PISA during this forum, and it will always be remembered as a beacon of the spirit of the forum. Certainly, IMO hopes that this collective spirit will permeate deeper to achieve success in this endeavour to find practical solutions to the region’s shipping concerns.’

By John RoundsShipping AdviserTransport Programme, EDD, SPC [email protected]


Oil market report (September–November 2012)

The Asia Pacific benchmark, Dated Brent crude oil, remained between USD 107/bbl and USD 118/bbl from September until November. Prices rose in September and then took a downward turn from October to November. In comparison to the previous quarter (June 2012 – August 2012), the average price of Dated Brent crude for this quarter increased by 8.00%.

Economic uncertainty in the USA, Europe and China is determining the fate of the world’s energy use, not only

for the rest of this year but also throughout next year. Slower industrial production world-wide has been pushing down the use of oil by a large percentage, with middle distillate consumption plunging in October. Furthermore, the transportation sector contributed to the slowdown in oil use in October, due to both slower economic activity and higher retail prices.

Chinese oil demand slowed down in October and November to almost a stand-still. Refinery runs had been mostly subdued through the middle part of the year against a backdrop of slowing economic growth and oil consumption. Diesel demand is typically the mainstay of Chinese product consumption, and has been adversely affected by the current economic and industrial slowdown.

South Korea continued to import high volumes of North Sea oil. Under free trade rules with the EU, imported North Sea crude is exempt from the 3% import tariffs usually incurred, giving it a 3% cost advantage over competing crudes. Troubled European economy is taking its toll on the continent’s oil demand. Not only has the decline in industrial production negatively affected oil use, but also the low mileage driven has reduced the use of transport fuel across Europe. In Japan,

November’s higher heating requirements led to an increase in fuel usage. Direct crude and residual fuel burning for electricity production is expected to further continue throughout 2012 and 2013, but with less volume. Oil consumption in the Middle East has been growing, and most of the growth is attributed to the transport and industrial sectors. Despite a reduction in Iran’s total energy use, the country’s total oil demand for the year is forecast to be flat.

Overall, Dated Brent crude oil prices surged in September and plummeted in October and November. Higher supply growth and concerns regarding the health of the global economy have left oil prices on a steady decline since October. Furthermore, the downward pressure sustained as mounting concerns of a global economic slowdown, a pessimistic future demand outlook, and significant crude stock-builds in the USA outweighed supply concerns due to geopolitical factors. Moreover, the impact of Hurricane Sandy also reduced US oil demand in late October and early November.

By Pritanshu Singh Programme Assistant–Petroleum Energy Programme, EDD, [email protected]

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Regional training course for simulator instructors The five-day regional training course for simulator instructors began on 3 September 2012 at the training facility, Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), Melaka, Malaysia. It was funded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the assistance of the Malaysia Marine Department and ALAM.

IMO consultants, Mr Peshala Medagama from Sri Lanka

and Mr Ashok Pant from India, conducted the training. Chief Engineer Arioka Kourataake from Kiribati Marine Training Centre and Hakaumotu Fakapelea from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community were the only two participants from the Pacific; the rest were from maritime administrations and training institutes in Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.

The simulator trainers were first familiarised with the following:-

• effective maritime education and training requires all three elements of learning to be incorporated: knowledge, skill and attitude;

• the traditional concept of seafarers’ training was based on theoretical teaching in the classroom, followed by practical training on board ship;

• the requirements for seafarers to multi-task, make decisions, prioritise and work in a team;

• simulator-based training provides a valuable platform and has the obvious advantages of being economical and safe; and

• the instructor is as important as the simulator itself for successful implementation of simulation training.

The IMO Model Course 6.10 Train the simulator–trainer and assessor was covered during the rest of the week. Relevant topics included understanding what a simulator is; the importance of simulators; the classification, design and configuration of a simulator; conceptualising and planning a simulator programme; and effective interpersonal and communication skills. ALAM provided their full mission simulator for participants to conduct their familiarisation and

simulation practical exercises.

Participants were so grateful for the opportunity to be trained in this train-the-trainer course. They learned how to use the latest STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), and to plan simulation programmes for implementation in their own countries on their return. The increase in the number of qualified simulator instructors will improve the maritime training institutes training standards in the region.

We would like to thank the Malaysia Marine Department and ALAM staff for their support in all areas during the duration of the training. The tour of the historic places in Melaka City, which they also provided, was enjoyed by all the participants.

By Hakaumotu Fakapelea Maritime Port Security Adviser Transport Programme, EDD, [email protected]

The IMO Regional Training Course on Simulator in Malaysia

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Safety training for port staff and stevedoresIn 2010, a survey was conducted by the SPC Economic Development Division's Transport Programme to find out how many Pacific Island ports had received proper safety training for their staff and stevedores. The survey showed that approximately 80% of ports had not carried out proper port safety training.

The issue of port training was discussed by the Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA) executives at their

2008 meeting, and they tasked their Training Working Group to start addressing this. As a result, the Pacific Port Workers Training Standards Manual Volume 1 was developed and a port safety training schedule was planned.

In September 2012, Hakaumotu Fakapelea from (EDD Transport Programme) and Glyn Joshua, a training instructor from Solomon Islands Ports Authority, conducted the first port safety training for Niue. There were 14 participants, including stevedores who worked the container ships that arrive at the island. Niue is one of the islands in the Pacific that still utilises barges for their cargo while the container ship is at anchor.

With the assistance of the Pacific Port Workers Training Standards Manual Volume 1, the training focused on teaching port staff to operate the cargo handling equipment and machinery and work safely when on board ship or at the wharf. The following topics were covered in the training:

• introduction to safety

• container top safety

• forklift truck operational safety

• deck cargo gears

• introduction to dangerous goods.

Also included was the manual handling of cargo and some practical exercises on the last day.

Ports Authority Tonga requested the same training for their port workers, and this was carried out on 22–24 September, 2012, back to back with the 37th PMTA Conference hosted by Ports Authority Tonga. There were 13 participants, including two stevedore’s foremen.

Each port has been encouraged to establish its own training department and to start conducting its own port safety training using the Pacific Port Workers Training Standards Manual Volume 1 provided by SPC/PMTA.

By Hakaumotu Fakapelea Maritime Port Security Adviser Transport Programme, EDD, [email protected]

Niue port safety training participants

Tonga port safety training participants




FSHIL apprenticeships for succession planning As part of the company’s succession planning, Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Ltd (FSHIL) has an apprenticeship programme that sees an annual budget of FJD 70,000 set aside for the training of a workforce that will be ready to take the place of employees reaching retirement age.

The Apprenticeship Programme, a five year course combining study at Fiji National University (FNU) School

of Maritime Studies and work experience at FSHIL, began in 2010, with a total of 13 apprentices: ten shipwrights, two plumbers and one fitter-machinist.

General Manager of FSHIL, Raneel Mudaliar, said that the ship repair industry was demanding that shipwright apprentices must first learn the art of ship building in order to understand the work involved in ship repair.

‘Shipwrights go through the process of learning to design and build a vessel that complies with the maritime legislation for ships. They are very much like architects. They have to work with the proposed vessel’s primary function, area of operation and design elements. These elements include the ship’s drawings, specifications, stability calculation, materials, and any other assessment required by the approving authority, which in Fiji is the Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF),’ explained Mr Mudaliar.

He said that the design process not only includes the hull structure, but also the piping and fluid system, electrical wiring layout and system, and the layout of all navigational equipment.

Mr Mudaliar said that as well as aligning the shipwrights’ apprenticeship with International Maritime Organization standards, FNU, through the School of Maritime Studies, invites shipbuilding and ship repair stakeholders to be part of the Industrial Advisory Committee that makes recommendations to the School’s Head and management team on the industrial-based syllabus.

As well as the time spent at FNU on academic work, the apprentices spend six months at a time on each of the different skills areas, such as timber, technical drawing, electrical, plumbing, fabricating.

‘By the end of their apprenticeships, management will know what strengths each person has, and we will build on that. If one is good at estimation, if another’s strength is fabrication, we will put them to the work they are best suited for,’ he said.

Migration has seen the original 13 apprentices reduced to nine.

Article contributed byPacific Reach [email protected]

Mr Waisale Sovalawa of FNU School of Maritime Studies (right) with FSHIL apprentices (sitting l-r) Paulo Tuiqalau, Sakaraia Vunisuwai and Tevita Misidani. (Standing l-r) Apenisa Mataitoga, Paul Takala, Joji Uluilakeba and Jolame Mateyawa.


SPC works with Fiji to improve security of ports in Vanua Levu

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) provides assistance to its member states in conducting International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliance audits and port facility security risk assessments. This is the collaborative approach the SPC Transport Programme takes, in line with joint country strategies, to work with SPC member countries to add value to their national development objectives.

In accordance with SPC and Fiji’s Joint Country Strategy (JCS), Transport Programme staff, in collaboration with

a representative from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (Fiji’s designated authority) recently visited Vanua Levu ports, to conduct ISPS Code compliance audits and security risk assessments on port facilities that serve international vessels.

As part of SPC’s role in capacity building for auditors trained by SPC, SPC invited representatives from Pacific Islands Maritime Association – Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and Tonga Ports Authority – to be part of the technical assistance team visiting Vanua Levu’s port facilities. The team was made up of:

1. Philip Hill – Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji

2. Alobi Bomo – Secretariat of the Pacific Community

3. Emosi Navusolo – Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd

4. Sitalingi Payne – Tonga Ports Authority

The team members are trained auditors with broad knowledge and experience in ISPS compliance requirements. They began their first day by conducting site visits on their way from Nabouwalu to Labasa. They visited the Wairiki and Bua bauxite mine facilities and conducted a port facility risk assessment.

On the following day in Labasa’s Malau Port, the team visited the Fiji Sugar Corporation to conduct a security risk assessment of the mill establishment and port facility. They assessed security concerns, security infrastructure and types of vessels that visited the facility.

They then made a brief visit to the Fiji Gas facility to assess the security establishment as part of their designated authority responsibilities. The final part of the second day should have been an audit of Malau’s Mobil Oil Facility, but the team decided to call it off because the facility did not have all the required documents. Although the facility had the Malau Terminal Emergency Response Plan (Version 6), the section on security procedures still required the designated authority of Fiji’s approval, as per the ISPS Code requirement, Part A/16.2. So the team provided advice and assistance to the facility’s manager on procedures that had to be included in their Emergency Response Plan’s section for security to address ISPS Code requirements.

On the third day, in Savusavu, the team conducted an ISPS Code compliance audit on South West Pacific Energy’s facility. This was led by Mr Sitalingi Payne of Tonga Ports Authority who was, at the same time, assessed by SPC’s Safety and Security Adviser, in accordance with SPC Audit Standards (ISO 19011:2002). Mr Sitalingi was check-audited to qualify him as audit team lead auditor.

The afternoon was spent visiting the Savusavu copra oil terminal, where the team had a brief meeting with the manager to discuss any concerns of ISPS requirements that the facility needed advice on. The team was advised by the manager that the facility was not directly engaging foreign vessels to carry copra oil; it was now using domestic vessels to transport the copra oil to Suva for export. The team decided there was no need to continue the risk assessment.

From the Vanua Levu visit, the team conducted three risk assessments, one ISPS compliance audit and two site assessment visits, as per designated authority requirements.

By Alobi BomoMaritime Safety & Security Adviser Transport Programme, EDD, [email protected]

ISPS Code compliance audit conducted by SPC on South West Pacific Energy’s facility in Savusavu

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Fiji Ports assist others with compliance‘Sharing knowledge and experience is the Pacific way,’ explained Captain Jeke Vakararawa, Senior Port Facility Security Officer, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, who said that Fiji ports take ‘very seriously’ the commitment to assist smaller island countries with security awareness.

Captain Jeke was referring to the two week visit to Fiji ports by two Kiribati Ports Authority staff — Mr Aoti Teitabu,

Ports Facility Security Officer, and Mr Buretita Kaite, Senior Security Guard — who were updating their understanding of the requirements for compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Captain Jeke explained, ‘Hosting our neighbours and having the same level of awareness within the region helps facilitate the smooth transshipment of cargo, especially return cargo from smaller island countries to the country of destination via Fiji, in particular from island nations to an international destination.’

Mr Teitabu, who has recently been promoted to his current position, said that he and Mr Kaite appreciated the assistance they had received while visiting Fiji ports, as well as the opportunity to update their knowledge that would help keep Kiribati ISPS compliant.

Article contributed byPacific Reach [email protected]

AOTI TEITABU-Port Facility Security Officer. Jone Tawake- Assistant Port Facility Security OfficerBuretauta Kaite- Senior Security Guard




NZ customs patrolling the northern watersAs New Zealand’s yachting season comes to an end, the New Zealand Customs Service’s vessel, Hawk IV, remains vigilant on the coastal waters of New Zealand.

The local small craft season is between late October and early December, during which a large number of yachts

travel from the Pacific Islands, mostly to Opua, in the Bay of Islands.

Last year, 356 small craft arrived at Opua, Whangarei, and Auckland. This season, over 300 small craft had already arrived by mid-November.

‘During the yachting season, the Hawk IV patrols waters in the far north with the crew talking to those arriving and checking that all craft comply with Customs requirements,’ says Customs Manager Response, Jonathan Morten.

‘There is a legal requirement for small craft to advise Customs of their arrival at least 48 hours in advance, and to arrive at a Customs port of entry,’ Mr Morten says.

Infringements can sometimes lead to prosecution. Under the Customs Act 1996, an individual can be imprisoned for up to a year or be fined a maximum of NZD 15,000.

Both arriving and departing yachts need to have Customs clearance – information about these requirements can be found on the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz.

Allowances can be made for reasons such as mechanical problems or adverse weather conditions, but Customs must be advised as soon as possible.

‘For example, earlier this year, an elderly sailor, travelling alone, was experiencing mechanical problems, so he was cleared at Whangaroa Harbour and didn’t have to struggle to reach Opua,’ Mr Morten says.

‘A key benefit of the Hawk IV patrol of these waters is to deter offenders simply by having a visible presence. But to most yachts, Hawk IV is a familiar and welcome sight,’ Mr Morten says.

While the Hawk IV is primarily used to prevent Customs-related offences on the coastal waters, the crew also keep a vigilant look out on behalf of other government agencies.

This could include reporting whale sightings to the Department of Conservation, suspected biosecurity threats to the Ministry for Primary Industries, signs of marine pollution or navigation hazards to local harbour masters and Maritime New Zealand, and anyone found fishing in marine reserves to the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

‘We work very closely with other government agencies and are pleased to sometimes host staff from other agencies on our patrol. This is seen to be very effective, as the agencies frequently have common areas of concern,’ Mr Morten says.

The National Maritime Coordination Centre (NMCC) is a central hub where all civilian-related maritime patrol and surveillance activities are coordinated.

It is through the NMCC that all government agencies identify their specific patrol objectives, which are then directed to New Zealand maritime patrol assets such as Hawk IV.

For more information, contact:Prasheeta Ram-Taki Senior Advisor Communications New Zealand Customs [email protected]

The NZ Customs’ Hawk IV is a 16.5 metre long, custom-built and well maintained, Salthouse Sovereign surveyed to patrol New Zealand’s coastal waters. The crew are all experienced Customs Officers with amassed years of service aboard the vessel and the ability to maintain sustained operations.



Surveying at Hay Point, Australia

Maritime security culture – Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australia

International shipping links countries around the world. Over 90% (8.4 billion tons of goods in 2010) of international cargo is carried by sea, making maritime transport a critical link in the global supply chain.

The events of 9/11 focussed attention on the threats and risks faced by transport systems. Continued thwarted and

unsuccessful attempts to disrupt transport systems show that we must continue to be vigilant against these threats and risks. The Pacific region depends on civil aviation and maritime transport for tourism, trade and social and economic development. Like any other region, the Pacific is not immune to threats that could have significant impact on international shipping and trade.

There are thousands of shipping movements every year between Australia and Pacific Islands. Cruise shipping between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Fiji, Noumea and Vanuatu continues to grow year by year. Cargo ships transport goods from Australia to Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru.

The allocation of financial and human resources has focused on aviation security with good reason – the threats and risks

are greater in the aviation sector, and incidents and statistics are evidence of this. However, we need to be mindful that the maritime environment provides bountiful opportunities for those seeking to circumvent the law. Transnational crime, including the transhipment of drugs and firearms, people smuggling, illegal immigration and other unlawful activities, including terrorism, expose vulnerabilities within the maritime security system. Cruise shipping, fishing vessels and pleasure craft have all been implicated in these activities.

It is our role as maritime security regulators to not only ensure the security of our maritime sector but to be a responsible partner in an international security chain where every link matters. This is vital to the work of the Office of Transport Security (OTS) and other regulators around the region.

The introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) in 2004 put in place a framework for global maritime security. The framework has matured since


2004, with most countries in the world having implemented the ISPS code. Our work as a maritime security community is to prevent a traumatic terrorist attack or systemic criminal exploitation and to ensure that ISPS Code best practice continues to be a focus.

Individual Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) have marshalled their resources to implement the ISPS Code in their port facilities and on their ships. The work of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Transport Programme has undoubtedly strengthened maritime security throughout the region and has earned a strong reputation through the process. OTS supports ISPS best practice by working with SPC and maritime administrations throughout the Pacific to fund and participate in training programmes and workshops. Recent training projects include internal auditor training, and future projects will build on this work by running ‘train-the-trainer’ audit workshops.

But still we are faced with a scarcity of resources, not just in the Pacific but throughout the region, particularly when the focus is on aviation security. As responsible maritime security regulators, how can we combat this?

Strong risk management that is targeted and balances security risk with the facilitation of trade and tourism is a key element in our tool kit. Security risk management seeks to identify where risks or vulnerabilities are present and then mitigate these risks. Unlike safety risk management, security risk management must consider intentional acts to cause harm, or the acts of people seeking to purposefully defeat the system. This is a far more complex proposition and has led to the conclusion that in the security context you need to consider not only the known threats and risks but also potential vulnerabilities. For this reason, security risk assessments must be based on a clear and shared understanding of the security risk drivers and the risk context of the environment.

Technological developments have provided new and more efficient ways to screen people and cargo and detect anomalies. They are only one piece of the puzzle, though. Technological advances are driven by historical events and not future imaginings and there is always an uncomfortable period of time before new technology can be accepted as proven. The technology may not always be the best fit for the harsh and unpredictable maritime environment. And regardless of developments, the best technology will always require staff who are appropriately trained and committed to its correct use. Under those circumstances, it is essential that we continually refocus our efforts on our strongest asset – our people.

Scarcity of resources affects the ability of PICTs to train and develop staff. It also affects the capacity of regional partners and organisations to provide required funding for training and development. Coordination of all parties to identify the right people for training and the key training pathways that yield the best results are critical to the success of capacity building opportunities.

Many staff that undertake training, ‘de-skill’ over time due to a lack of opportunity to use the skills they acquired. Training is just one element in overall skill development. The confidence to use learnt skills comes from being able to regularly put the skill into practice and the experience that comes from that. Therefore, a more cohesive approach by PICTs – through the regular sharing of ideas, the development of common procedures and processes, and peer staff exchanges – could reap significant rewards.

It is often said that one of the most important elements of a security regime is a well developed security culture. This culture is largely brought about through motivation – the motivation of government to recognise the importance of the security function, the motivation of management to support and develop security staff, and the motivation of staff to perform their role to the best of their ability. If all of these motivational aspects exist, the likely achievement of security outcomes and the development of a culture of best practice are greatly enhanced.

A way of capturing security culture and motivation is:

BE ACTIVE AT WORK

A ALERTBe the person who is aware of what is occurring around them

C COMMITTEDBe the person that strives to do the best they can at all times

T TACTICAL Be the person that is curious, proactive and ready to react

I INFORMEDBe the person who understands the environment and their role

V VALUEDBe the person who knows they are an important part of the team

E ENGAGED Be the person who wants to make a valuable contribution

People are our greatest security resource. Often they are our eyes and ears and have a far greater understanding and appreciation of the local environment. Even first-time visitors to ports and ships can support the achievement of maritime security outcomes if they are provided with information on security awareness, unusual incidents and things to be aware of. Motivating people to be actively involved in maritime security remains one of our key objectives.

For more information contact:Kelly EdwardsPacific Maritime Security Liaison OfficerOffice of Transport [email protected]



Pacific Forum on Domestic Ferry SafetyThe Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have a long history of engagement in shipping issues in the Pacific. Most of this focus has been on international shipping. Since about 1998, however, both organisations have recognised that domestic shipping, specifically passenger-carrying vessels, require attention too. For IMO, this has culminated in a series of regional fora focused on domestic ferries. The first was held in Bali, Indonesia in 2011, as reported in Pacific Maritime Watch issue 52, December 2011. The second was held this year in Suva, Fiji and was co-hosted by IMO and SPC, with additional funding provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). A third forum is projected for Africa.

This four-day event (30 October to 2

November) attracted 48 representatives from 18 countries, including special guests from the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority and a naval architect from Canada. Participants included 28 delegates from 14 Pacific Island countries and territories, along with representatives from AMSA, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the Pacific Islands Maritime Association (PacMA) and the Pacific International Maritime Law Association (PIMLA). Additionally, there was representation from the maritime industry, including Interferry, Pacific ship owners/operators, a volunteer search and rescue service from French Polynesia, and emergency equipment safety and servicing facilities.

The goal of the forum was to discuss current and emerging domestic ferry safety issues, concerns, and trends from international, regional and national perspectives in order to develop outcomes that can be operationalised by all stakeholders (governments, maritime administrations, ship owners/operators, training providers, maritime industry associations, shipbuilders/repairers, etc.) and result in safer passenger-carrying vessel operations within the Pacific Island region.

Over 40 presentations were given, resulting in discussions that covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of existing domestic vessel safety activities within the region, case studies of recent Pacific passenger vessel accidents, regulation of domestic vessels, vessel design and construction, a variety of operational concerns, public awareness of maritime safety issues, and search and rescue.

The outcome was an action plan, agreed on by all participants, which listed a number of recommendations for the participants to push forward at national level. Some of the key areas of the action plan were:

• recommendations to improve legislation and regulation that address domestic passenger carrying vessels;

• the need to focus on enhancing measures that will

improve domestic ship safety programmes;

• consideration of the means to improve the procurement of fit-for-service vessels, shipping infrastructure; and ship repair, servicing and supply facilities; and

• the need to continue to address search and rescue capacity and capability across the region.

Perhaps one of the most impressive outcomes of the forum was the creation of the Pacific Islands Ship-owners’ Association (PISA). PISA consists of a number of ship owners and operators from the region that have agreed on the need to create an association that can serve as a voice for the shipping industry.

According to the Framework for Action on Transport Services, ‘the safety of passengers and crew must be a priority for governments, considering the high dependency of Pacific Islanders on inter-island shipping services for transportation and livelihoods’. The forum took a significant step towards addressing this by bringing together many of the key stakeholders within the region and presenting them with an opportunity to talk openly and frankly about their issues and concerns, while being exposed to an assortment of actual and proposed solutions. In some way, each participant took something of value away, whether it was the opportunity to network across the region, or to identify a possible answer to some specific problem.

There is an expectation that the ‘spirit of cooperation’ that arose during the forum will continue to grow and will use the action plan as a tool to make the Pacific a safer environment for the people who work and travel on it.

By Bruce Tweed, Ship Safety Audit Adviser Transport Programme, EDD, [email protected]

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Pacific Forum on Domestic Ferry Safety participants in Fiji


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Brief development background of the Solomon Islands hydrographic unit

It was just last year, 2011, when the Solomon Islands Government, through its Ministry of Infrastructure Development, established the Solomon Islands Hydrographic Unit (SIHU) within the Solomon Islands Mar-itime Safety Administration (SIMSA), following a 2009 Act of Parliament that established SIMSA as the replacement for the former Marine Division.

It was under this legislation that hydrographic survey functions became re-established. Currently, SIHU functions

come under the control of the Director of SIMSA.

SIHU has four newly established posts, which are now filled, as follows:a) a Chief Hydrographic Officer;b) a Principal Hydrographic Surveyorc) a Senior Nautical Cartographer; andd) a Hydrographic Surveyor (Technician).

SIHU went going through an initial setting up process. As we started from scratch, it was anticipated that a lot of work needed to be done to bring SIHU to a level that is operational and running. Taking into account the technological developments and the equipment on the market nowadays, this did not come very easy.

The main objective was to have the Unit operational and running, focusing on its three phases of development:

1. Maritime safety information 2. Hydrographic surveying 3. Nautical charting and possibly provision of other

information, such as local tide tables, in the future.

It is likely that the Unit’s work programme will focus mainly on large scale surveys of its ports and harbours, as these need to be updated due to recent developments in the country and the increased flow of international shipping to our shores. Most of the charts need to be updated.

Activities

i) Arrange for any valuable items still with the Lands and Survey Department to be transferred back to SIMSA.

ii) With funding available for 2012, establish the chart and nautical publications sales section to cater for in-ountry needs.

iii) Investigate any capacity building training priorities so as to upgrade staff skills and knowledge to meet required International Hydrographic Organization specifications and standards.

iv) See that required specifications and standards to be achieved in any of the Unit’s activities are in place prior to carrying out any hydrographic surveying and charting tasks.

v) Liaise closely with stakeholders in the shipping industry

to establish what their priorities and requirements are.vi) Work towards establishing a workable programme for the

Unit, taking into account the funding support available and other stakeholder requirements.

vii) Continue to establish and maintain a close relationship with other regional and international organisations within the maritime sector.

SIHU took delivery of its new hydrographic surveying equipment on 2 November 2012 from Bruttour International in Sydney. The equipment consists of the following:-

1 x Ceetide Radar Tide Guage1 x Ceescope Hydrographic data acquisition system1 x Starfish Sidescan Sonar Model 452F system1 x A0 Chart Printer and accessories1 x Panasonic Toughbook Computer CF31 and accessoriesHypack Max hydrographic software Ready to use spare kit for CEESCOPE.

With this recent development, SIHU is now fully operational and running and will focus on carrying out some of its most needed functions, including updating maritime safety information and hydrographic surveying activities in the new year 2013.

For more information, contact:Clifford Olisukulu Chief Hydrographic OfficerSI Hydrographic [email protected]

Solomon Islands Hydrographic Unit staff undergoing training using the hydrographic equipment


Efficient Pacific port operations vital for a nation’s economic growth

The Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA), for which SPC provides the secretariat, held its 2nd Con-ference in Tonga in conjunction with its 37th Ports Committee Conference at the Fa’onelua Convention Cen-tre from 17–18 October 2012. Hosted by Ports Authority Tonga (PAT), the 63 participants included eight PICT member ports, associate members, observers and presenters.

Delivering his keynote address, Tonga’s Honourable Prime

Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, said that the theme of the conference – Pacific ports creating opportunities in global challenges – was appropriate and timely in view of the opportunities and challenges facing ports in the Pacific.

‘Ports are a key infrastructure. An efficient port operation supports the economic development of our Pacific Island nations. Ports facilitate the movement of cargo into and out of our island nations. Ports encourage tourism through facilitating port visits of the fast expanding global cruise business. Ports create employment opportunities, not only at the ports but also in support of the wider economy of our nations.’

Lord Tu’ivakano highlighted some of the challenges facing Pacific ports: financing of port operations; port security meeting international obligations; safe working conditions; safety of work forces and all port users; and the cost of insurance of port operations.

In his welcome speech, Chairman of the Board for PAT, Steve Edwards, highlighted the role of the PMTA in developing trade within the Pacific region.

‘The primary function of Pacific ports is to facilitate trade activities between neighbouring Pacific countries, as well as with the major industrial nations of the world. We are no longer isolated from the developed nations, and it is through the ports that we become an integrated part of the world economy. The ports are operating in an ever-changing trading environment and, consequently, the PMTA Executive Council must constantly review the directions it should pursue for the advancement of the Pacific economy in which they operate.’

Mr Edwards stressed that one of the reasons for the formation of alliances such as PMTA is to share the burden and work together for the benefit of the members.

‘PMTA is the very essence of the Pacific, and it has a very important role to play in promoting and maintaining the economic welfare of the region. This is the challenge we must address to keep up with the rest of the world.’

A common topic of discussion at the conference was port development. PMTA members understand the significant impact of efficient port operations on their nation’s economic growth. The drive to increase cruise tourism was a major issue for port infrastructure development, coupled with the ongoing challenges of maintenance (such as dredging), staff skills upgrading and innovative ways to combat funding constraints. Apart from new acquisitions and increasing the use of ICT for process improvement and decision-making, the PMTA Ports Committee members shared with each other resourceful ways of creating opportunities within the global challenges they faced.

The meeting included the official launch of the Financial Policies and Procedures manual that was compiled by the Ports Committee’s Finance and Investment Working Group to assist smaller member ports implement quality systems.

Cook Islands confirmed their commitment to host the 3rd PMTA and 38th Ports Committee Conference in Rarotonga in October 2013.

By Sereana Narayan Information Assistant, EDD, [email protected]

PMTA conference participants in Tonga

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New cruise tender landing jetty The community of the Vaka district of Puaikura in Cook Islands went all out to celebrate the opening and blessing of the island’s newest jetty on 2 November 2012.

The ceremony took the better part of the day, as all involved in the project were acknowledged for their hard work and

dedication.

Both traditional and religious blessings were part of the day’s proceedings, which included a traditional welcome of the Vaka Puaikura Paramount Chief Tinomana Ariki; speeches by Ports Authority Chairman Mike Henry, Prime Minister Henry Puna and New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter; unveiling ceremonies for the commemorative plaque by Carter and Puna; unveiling the plaque on the passenger shelter by Deputy Prime Minister Tom Marsters; and the unveiling of the jetty’s sign and name by Tinomana Ariki and Reverend Thierry Tapu.

A tree-planting ceremony was held along the coast where House of Ariki President, Travel Tou Ariki; Prime Minister Henry Puna; High Commissioner John Carter; and Religious Advisory Council Chairman Danny Williams had the honour of planting a tree each, symbolising new life.

In honour of the area’s religious significance – it being the site of access by Tahitian missionary Papehia in 1821 – a symbolic re-enactment of his arrival was held when police patrol boat Te Kukupa delivered the first passengers, including Police Commissioner Maara Tetava and members of the Takamoa Theological College, to the jetty.

Their arrival signalled the start of the traditional ceremony known as kiriti maro tai – a ceremony that focuses on the blessing of the passengers to symbolically remove their salty garments.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Teariki Heather, who was credited with pushing the project along and helping realise the jetty dream, had the last word on the day, thanking New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter for his dedication to seeing the project completed.

Heather presented a beautiful pate (drum) to New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter and Bill Doherty of Landholdings as a token of Vaka Puaikura’s appreciation.

Heather called the important day a blessing and one of celebration before he invited everyone to a huge feast provided by the community, and Arorangi and Rutaki school children entertained the guests with their singing and dancing.

‘In 2010, only 64% of visiting cruise ships could disembark passengers here, resulting in a big loss of potential income for the economy in Rarotonga. The goal is to raise this to 90% by 2014/15, and the new jetty will play a major role in our efforts to achieve this.’

With each visiting cruise ship estimated to inject around NZD 300,000 into the local economy, the new jetty will bring in additional revenue for Rarotonga, and further enhance the tourism experience offered by Cook Islands.

‘Improving access for cruise ships allows Cook Islands to take its place in the Pacific as a vibrant cruising destination, diversifies our source markets, increases the economic benefit of tourism and delivers high spending customers to the commercial operators of Rarotonga across the summer season. It is an exciting innovation that that we have already included in our pitch to cruise vessels beyond our existing pool of operators.’

The NZD 2.0 million project to build the new jetty was funded by the New Zealand /Australia Harmonised Aid Programme.

Article contributed byBy Bim TouCook Islands Port [email protected]

Some photos taken during the opening of the new jetty in Puaikura in Cook Islands

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IMO’s Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme for Pacific Island countries

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established an Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme (ITCP), with the sole purpose of assisting countries to build up their human and institutional capacity for uniform and effective compliance with the organization’s regulatory framework.

By fostering capacity building in the maritime sector, the ITCP

helps countries to ensure safe, secure and effective shipping services and to protect their waters and coasts from the environmental degradation that may be caused by ships and other maritime-related activities. ITCP activities contribute to sustainable socio-economic development.

The sea is the most significant geographical feature of the Pacific region. Ships and seafaring are fundamental Pacific traditions. The region relies on the sea for sustenance (fisheries), coastal transportation and employment in shipping or on fishing vessels. The seafaring tradition continues and inter-island shipping services play a crucial role in providing the fundamental means of transportation, with several island countries being suppliers of seafarers to the regional and global shipping fleet.

The ITCP for the Pacific region aims at strengthening national maritime administrations by organising regional and national activities in close collaboration with IMO’s technical co-operation partners in the region, namely, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). According to the memorandum of understanding, these two organisations have assisted in the implementation of maritime safety and security activities (SPC) and environment protection activities (SPREP).

To promote the linkages established between the Millennium Development Goals and ITCP and to implement the Istanbul Plan of Action for the Least Developed Countries adopted in 2011, IMO’s global programme on Support to Small Islands Developing States and Least Developed Countries focuses on a range of issues, from economic vulnerability to international tourism, and addresses the issue of sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation though capacity-building activities in the maritime sector.

The main objectives of the 2013 ITCP events for the region will be:• to enhance maritime safety regulation enforcement;

• to improve search and rescue capacity;

• to strengthen the capacity of maritime administrations to implement IMO conventions; and

• to assist in the review and implementation of regional model legislation, strategies and plans such as the Pacific Islands Maritime Laws (PIMLaws), the Pacific Islands Regional Marine Spill Contingency Plan (PACPLAN) and the Pacific Ocean Pollution Prevention Programme (PACPOL).

Currently, IMO is developing the next ITCP for the period 2014–2015. Following the IMO Secretary-General’s initiative of review and reform of technical cooperation, the new ITCP will have a targeted approach, making it more aligned with the real needs of developing countries. To this end, a country profile template has been designed and member states are expected to play a key role by providing information and feedback in this process. For additional information on the country profile, please contact [email protected].

For more information, contact:Elene SarriaPrincipal Programme Assistant, Asia and Pacific Section Technical Co-operation Division, International Maritime Organization (IMO)[email protected]

IMO headquarters in London


Transport ProgrammeEconomic Development DivisionSecretariat of the Pacific CommunityPrivate Mail Bag, Suva, FijiEmail: [email protected]: +679 337 0733 Fax: +679 337 0146Website: www.spc.int/edd

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Welcome to the Pacific maritime sector

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has a new member of staff. Congratulations to Mr Brian Riches, who has taken up the post of Deputy

Director of the Transport Programme in SPC’s Economic Development Division.

Mr Riches has come to SPC from the position of chief executive officer (CEO) of Papua New Guinea’s Ports Corporation (PNGPCL), recently rated highly by the Asian Development Bank as a leading port and state-owned enterprise in the South Pacific. During Mr Riches’ term as CEO, PNGPCL underwent major changes, as he systematically addressed key issues involving systems and processes, monitoring and reporting, governance and people. The dramatic change under his leadership was noticed not only by PNGPCL’s private stakeholders, but also by government and donor agencies.

Amongst his many achievements, he assisted in the development of the PNG Medium Term Development Strategy and contributed to the Transport

Infrastructure Priority Study, whilst making a significant contribution to the Pacific region’s former Pacific Countries Ports Association, now the Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA), as president for nearly four years. As CEO of PNGPCL and President of PMTA, he demonstrated the highest levels of integrity, ethics and values, and as a citizen of Papua New Guinea, was awarded the Order of the Logohu for service to the country in the 2012 New Years Honours List.

Mr Riches holds a Master of Business Administration, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.

His professional membership includes: Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management; Fellow of the Australian Institute of Public Accountants; member of the PNG Institute of Directors; member of the Australian Institute of Project Management; Commission of Oaths, PNG judiciary; and Regular member of the APEC Port Services Network.

Brian Riches, Deputy Director (Transport) SPC Economic Development Division

ship-owners unite to address domestic shipping issues in

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