By Fatou Bojang
On April 9, the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) hosted the 15th Intersessional Management Working Group (ISMWG) of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control at the Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
This gathering aimed to address critical maritime safety issues, foster cooperation among member states, and eliminate substandard vessels from West and Central Africa.
Delegates from The Gambia, Nigeria, Benin, Gabon, and Angola convened to focus on essential topics, including capacity building, performance evaluations, and institutional measures to enhance port state control.
During the opening remarks, Binta Jallow, Acting Director General of GMA, reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to the objectives of the Abuja MOU, which aim to eliminate substandard vessels and enhance maritime safety and security. She emphasized the critical need for expanded capacity building among Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) across the region.
Captain Sunday Micheal Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MOU, stressed the importance of collective action among member states to conduct inspections and improve the quality of these assessments. He noted that while 20 out of 22 member countries have signed the MOU, effective enforcement hinges on full participation in the inspection process.
Ahissou Germain, representing the ISMWG President, echoed these concerns, highlighting that a primary challenge lies in effectively identifying and targeting substandard ships. He urged member states to ratify and integrate relevant legal instruments into their national legislation to bolster support for the MOU’s mission.
Ebrima Job, Director of Maritime Safety and Security, elaborated on the group’s objectives, including enhancing safety compliance, preventing marine pollution, and strengthening regional collaboration. He remarked that although progress has been made in port state control, challenges such as limited resources and training gaps persist.
The meeting also explored innovative solutions, including implementing predictive analytics and advanced inspection technologies, to enhance the effectiveness of maritime inspections. As discussions progress, member states are encouraged to exchange best practices and collaborate on initiatives to position the Abuja MOU as a distinguished global maritime safety framework.
This gathering of maritime authorities serves as a platform for dialogue and a vital step toward ensuring that the waters of West and Central Africa remain safe and compliant. It aims to eliminate the threat posed by substandard vessels and to protect the marine environment for future generations.
