Safety | Security | Environment | Port operations | Legal | Trade facilitation | Response to contingency | Resolutions
Port Safety
Port safety is of prime importance to ports
and their users, whether it means ship or
cargo handling, the safety of port workers,
vessel traffic service, accident prevention,
pollution control, crisis management, etc.
Port authorities play a leading role in ensuring
and maintaining safe and efficient port environment
by working closely with their customers,
local communities, and governments.
The following issues are a typical example
of IAPH efforts made toward enhancing port
safety, in cooperation with other international
organizations having a vested interest in
port and maritime safety.
In 2003, IAPH cooperated with the International
Labour Organisation in compiling a set of
practical recommendations into the "Code
of Practice on Safety and Health in Ports"
(2003). IAPH believes it important that every
port ensures that its workers have a safe
and efficient workplace, and as such, the
Code assists all ports concerned with port
safety in developing their safe and efficient
working practices, though taking into due
consideration their own specific circumstances.
Regarding the handling of dangerous goods,
IAPH and ICHCA made a joint submission to
the IMO's Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods,
Solid Cargoes and Containers coming under
its Maritime Safety Safety Committee (MSC)
in 2004. The submission urged for reinforcement
of inspection programs for cargo transport
units (CTUs) carrying dangerous goods, given
a considerable degree of non-compliance with
the IMO's IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous
Goods) Code. IAPH strongly supports this
initiative as it is in the best interest
of ports that such inspection programs take
place regularly and widely to ensure safe
and efficient cargo handling in accordance
with the IMDG Code.
IAPH has long supported "International
Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals
(ISGOTT)" that is now into the 5th edition
by taking part in its drafting group, comprising
IAPH, OCIMF (Oil Companies International
Marine Forum) and ICS (International Chamber
of Shipping). The guide makes recommendations
for tanker and terminal personnel on the
safe carriage and handling on tankers and
at terminals of crude oil and petroleum products.
