A multi-agency group boarded and inspected five international vessels using port Majuro earlier this month.
While it served as a training exercise for the 19 officers from five different ministries and agencies, it was also a hands on inspection that resulted in two of the five vessels being found “substantially non-compliant with international convention requirements.”
The RMI Office of the Maritime Administrator in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, Communications, and Information Technology, and the RMI Environmental Protection Authority organized the latest in a series of Port State Control training courses for 19 officers from key agencies involved in port inspections in the RMI.
The course was held in Majuro from March 4-7.
The port state control program, administered by the Division of Maritime and Safety at the Ministry of Transport, is essential for ensuring foreign-flagged vessels calling on RMI ports adhere to established safety, security, and environmental regulations. By having a physical presence and carrying out comprehensive inspections in the port of Majuro, the program upholds its commitment to maintaining safe maritime operations and protecting both the port and the surrounding waters. Enforcement of these regulations and standards on ships calling in RMI Ports is the key to safer ships and cleaner waters, said officials involved in the training program.
The training covered both classroom lectures and practical aspects of Port State Control inspection, concentrating on fire safety and marine pollution. A total of 19 officers from Transportation’s Maritime and Safety Division, EPA, MIPD’s National Fire and Rescue Service, MIMRA, and MALGov’s Majuro Police and Marine Division participated in the training.
Five multi-agency joint boardings and inspections were carried out enforcing standards onboard 3 refrigerated cargo vessels, one container ship, and one purse seine fishing vessel. Two of the five boarded vessels were found to be in substandard condition and substantially non-compliant with international convention requirements.
Although every effort is made to avoid detention or delay of a ship, when severe deficiencies are identified the Marshall Islands has the right to exercise control over the vessel and detain it until these deficiencies are resolved.
“The recent successful Port State Control training and inspections highlight our commitment to upholding safety standards and ensuring compliance in Majuro port,” said Transportation Secretary Phil Philippo. “As a critical component of the island’s infrastructure, the port’s safety and security is vital to RMI’s economic prosperity.”
“This is all about the safety of our marine environment, which is an important source of food and livelihoods,” said Moriana Phillip, General Manager of RMI EPA. “These inspections allow us to engage with our visitors, it adds another layer of pollution prevention and protection of our marine environment.”
The instructors — Commanders Guy Theriault and Brian Poskaitis — both retired US Coast Guard officers, praised the participants from multiple agencies noting as a group they have excelled at developing the competencies necessary to carry out the important mission of Port State Control.
Guy and Brian have been coming to Majuro since 2011 and have trained many Port State Control Officers over the years.
“This year was particularly special as the current group of students were committed to excellence and excelled at the effective application of specialized skills to ensure the port of Majuro remains free of pollution from ships entering her waters,” they said. “In US Coast Guard terms, ‘Bravo Zulu’ to the students and agencies that supported the training.”