Port cooperation and maritime security in Belize

Identifying and dealing with potential threats to port security operations was at the core of a three-day workshop in Belize City, Belize (18-20 July). The event took a closer look at security needs and associated risks. Through interactive presentations and discussions between participants the workshop helped identify opportunities for increased collaboration between government agencies and port owners/operators as well as assessing port security training priorities. The workshop also discussed specific issues around Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSAs) in keeping with the international requirements in IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, for example, identification and evaluation of important assets and infrastructure which are to be protected.

The event was organized by IMO in conjunction with the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), based on the framework of the Agreement of Cooperation between IMO and the Organization of the American States (OAS), signed in 2009.

The workshop was based on the results of a preliminary needs assessment by OAS-CICTE, and came as the request of the Belize Port Authority and National Security Council.