Maritime authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are using specialised security test piece equipment as part of an innovative IMO training programme to ensure passenger and baggage security on ships.
This specialised equipment includes inert explosives and other Improvised Explosive Device components, inert firearms, and knives, used to test how screening equipment at ports is being maintained and to enhance the screening and search detection skills of port security staff.
The activity is part of a nation-wide training programme from 18 to 22 March by IMO, in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS), the Maritime Administration.
Some 25 participants are gaining practical skills in using walk-through metal detectors, x-ray machines and other equipment. This includes security staff, their supervisors, port facility security officers, the Designated Authority and other government agency workers.
The real-life training conducted at the Antigua Cruise Port facilities will enhance the effective screening and searching of maritime passengers, crew, port users, and their baggage, to detect prohibited articles, including improvised explosive devices and firearms.
Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Director/Registrar General, ADOMS, said: “With increased maritime traffic comes augmented security risk, which means we must ensure that proper guardrails are in place to both militate and mitigate against all security threats, both real and perceived. It is therefore welcoming to note that the workshop content is very extensive, covering a wide spectrum of critical theoretical topics mixed with practical hands-on training.”
Speaking to participants, Mrs. Cynthia Jacobs Browne, Officer in Charge, Antigua Cruise Port, said: “Let us embrace this workshop as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth, knowing that our efforts will have a tangible impact on the safety and well-being of guests at sea and the resilience of our maritime industry as a whole.”
Mr. Andrew Clarke, Technical Officer, Maritime Security Section at IMO said: “We are delighted to be delivering this workshop in partnership with colleagues in Antigua and Barbuda. The cruise industry is critical to the growth of the blue economy in many Member States and safeguarding this sector against acts of terrorism and transnational organized crime is extremely important.”
The use of highly specialised equipment in this hands-on workshop marks a milestone in IMO’s Global Maritime Security programme. The programme supports countries in enhancing security measures to protect ships and ports from threats posed by terrorism; piracy and armed robbery; smuggling of arms, drugs, and illicit goods; and other illicit activities.
The training comes as Antigua and Barbuda is receiving record numbers of cruise ship calls while anticipating regular calls from the world’s largest cruise ship class. In 2023, Antigua and Barbuda recorded 3422 vessel arrivals (both cruise ships and yachts) with close 670,000 passengers. There are growing opportunities for cruise ships to be permanently based in Antigua and Barbuda as a home port.
Once piloted, the IMO Practical Maritime Person and Baggage Screening and Searching training will be available to all Member States.