The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has facilitated a practical Port State Control simulation exercise for trainees of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control for West and Central African Region, providing access to two vessels at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The exercise involved the inspection of tankers and bulk carriers as part of efforts to strengthen maritime safety, improve inspection standards and build the capacity of maritime professionals across member states.
The Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), Ing. Emmanuel B. A. Lansana, expressed appreciation to SLPHA management for accommodating the delegation despite the short notice of the request.
He noted that the practical exercise was essential to complement the trainees’ classroom sessions, stressing that their training over the preceding days would not have been effective without hands-on experience.
“Because of the good existing relationship we have with SLPHA, we have been warmly welcomed here for our practical sessions, and we are grateful,” he stated.
The Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control, Captain Sunday Umoren, also thanked SLPHA management for receiving the 40-member delegation at short notice and facilitating the practical training.
Captain Umoren explained that the training forms part of the Abuja MoU’s broader capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening maritime safety and harmonizing ship inspection standards across member states in West and Central Africa.
He said the organization’s central mandate is to ensure that substandard ships do not operate at sea in violation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, thereby reducing the risks of loss of life, marine pollution and other maritime accidents.
He further emphasised the importance of identifying safety defects in ships and port facilities, particularly faulty tanker terminals, warning that such deficiencies could trigger explosions capable of causing extensive damage to port infrastructure.
The exercise highlights the importance of collaboration between SLPHA and SLMA in supporting maritime training, strengthening port safety and promoting compliance with international maritime standards.