By: Saidu Jalloh
The U.S. Coast Guard has successfully completed its audit of Sierra Leone’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code program, marking a significant step in strengthening global maritime safety and security standards.
At the welcoming ceremony, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the SLPHA, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard a partnership that has been in place since 2018. He emphasized that regular security audits are essential for maintaining international best practices and reiterated the SLPHA’s long-standing statutory responsibility, established in 1964, to ensure a secure and conducive environment for port users.
Representing the U.S. Coast Guard, Mr. Scott Wolland thanked Mr. Bio for the warm reception and acknowledged the strong cooperation between SLPHA, SLMA, and the Coast Guard. He noted that the audit included an interactive assessment session where the U.S. team posed technical questions regarding the port’s security and operational systems.
Harbor Master Captain Alpha Y. Bangura provided an overview of the port’s multi-layered security architecture, which includes collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police Marine Division, the Sierra Leone Navy, and an internally trained security unit. He also highlighted that once Parliament passes the Cybersecurity Bill, the SLPHA will implement comprehensive cybersecurity policies for the port based on the new legislation.
During the audit, the U.S. Coast Guard team, along with SLMA officials, toured the port facility, including the CCTV monitoring room. Mr. Kenie Conteh briefed them on the deployment of 36 surveillance cameras covering both the port and its surrounding areas, assuring the delegation that these cameras are monitored daily a fact the U.S. team welcomed.
The delegation also visited the Integrated Trade Services (ITS) scanning room, where Mrs. Rosemond Bockarie led them through the container screening procedures.
On the final day of the assessment, the team inspected the Oryx Petro Jetty Terminal, a privately operated petroleum and gas facility. The Oryx team outlined their security protocols, including an incident response plan and a CCTV system supported by oversight from their headquarters in France.
The U.S. Coast Guard expressed satisfaction with their findings and recommended a future tabletop exercise involving key stakeholders to further strengthen security measures.
At a concluding meeting in the SLMA Board Room, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, thanked the U.S. Coast Guard for its continued support. He also referred to his recent visit to the United States, where he advanced discussions on maritime security cooperation.
Mr. Wolland closed the session by commending all parties for their commitment and emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to maintain high maritime security standards.