Drills under way in Uruguay to improve its maritime security

​Drills and exercises to test maritime security knowledge and update skills are under way during a national workshop in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 5 to 8 June. These exercises aim to improve the country's capabilities of maritime security.

The National Workshop on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code) Drills and Exercises targets to enhance the technical capability of Designated Authority officials, port security officials and managers regarding maritime security through the process of drills and exercises.

These exercises comply with the ISPS Code and relevant IMO guidance, by using the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Drills and Exercises Manual.

The workshop was organized by IMO under the Global programme for the enhancement of maritime security, using funds provided by the Republic of Korea, and in cooperation with the National Maritime authority of Uruguay (Prefectura Nacional Naval). The Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS-CICTE) also participated and took part in the organization of the event.

Recently, Víctor Rossi, Uruguay’s Transport & Public Works Minister, informed that mid-year Uruguay will present its master plan for port activity 2018-2035. As Mr. Rossi said, the plan is now in its final stage of development.

The plan contains projections about new operational and commercial areas, which include the construction of new docks, port expansion and more services.

Source: safety4sea