Security personnel working at Madagascar's major ports have received vital training on how to identify potential security threats and take action to prevent risks to port facilities.

A national workshop for port workers with designated security duties was held in Toamasina, Madagascar (4-8 November), as part of the Port Security Project funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by IMO, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The training was based on IMO model course 3.24 on 'Security Training for Port Facility Personnel with Designated Security Duties', which builds knowledge and skills to enable port staff to perform their duties in accordance with key IMO safety and security instruments. These instruments include the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2; the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code; and related guidance.

The training entailed theoretical lessons and practical exercises for 27 civilian and military personnel, representing Madagascar's Maritime Administration, the Gendarmerie Nationale and Immigration agencies.

The participants, which included port facility security officers, access control officers, port authority and relevant port facility managers, were able to share expertise and exchange best practices in the area of port security and safety of navigation.