Mozambique advances legal framework for maritime security

Mozambique is strengthening its maritime security by taking steps to further integrate international IMO maritime security instruments into national laws with technical support from the International Maritime Organization.

A legal review workshop (1-5 September) provided support to staff of the Ministries of Transport and Maritime Affairs Authorities in domesticating IMO instruments related to port security and safety into national laws and regulations. Emphasis was placed on supporting the legislative drafting process for domesticating SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, including control and compliance measures, with reference to MSC.1/Circ. 1525 on the development of national maritime security legislation.

The ISPS Code provides a framework for a standardized mandatory security regime for international shipping, and for the exchange and evaluation of information between contracting governments, companies, port facilities and ships.

This workshop was a follow up to the first legal review workshop (12-16 June 2023) as part of the EU-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Through the project, IMO supports nine participating countries, Mozambique included, in advancing maritime security and safety in line with the aspirations of the 2050 Africa's Integrated Maritime Strategy.

The workshop was opened by Mr. Simiááo Munguambe, Executive Administrator, ITRANSMAR and is being attended by twenty six (26) participants from various agencies including Alfândegas de Moçambique/Customs, Attorney General Office (PGR), Maritime Transport Institution (ITRANSMAR, IP), Escola Superior de Ciencias Náuticas/ Nautical School, Ministry of Transport, Ministério da Justiça, Assuntos Constitucionais Religiosos/ Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Instituto Ferro-Portuario de Moçambique (IFEPOM)/ Mozambique Railway and Port Institute, Marinha de Guerra de Moçambique/Navy, Tribunal Marítimo/Maritime Court, Mozambican Coastal, Lake and Riverine Police (PCLF).

This initiative is delivered in close collaboration with strategic partners the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), INTERPOL, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).