Maritime security in Samoa

The Regional Maritime Legal Advisor. Captain Dr. Peter Heathcote was in Samoa from 29 November to 04 December to assist the Ministry of Works. Transport and Infrastructure, the Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) and the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) implement the recent amendments to the SOLAS Convention dealing with Maritime Security and the new International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code. During this short visit, an enormous amount of work was accomplished. Saturday morning saw the drafting of the necessary preparatory documentation for the Maritime Security Committee (MSC) Meeting on Monday morning. Early on Sunday morning the RMLA and [the Principal Surveyor of the Marine Division conducted an inspection of the port area, as well as two self-propelled landing-craft type vessels owned by SSC, the "Forum Express" and the "Fora O Samoa". Also noted was the passenger/cargo vessel "Tokelau' that operates between Samoa and Tokelau, which will also have to complete similar security measures. The next three days were consumed with meetings and inspections, and the evenings filled with drafting regulations and developing security plans.