The U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a Country Assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping from January 20 – 23, this year.
The maritime transportation system is the backbone of international trade and the global economy. To establish a comprehensive approach to maritime security, the International Maritime Organization and its Member States developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the only internationally accepted blueprint for the implementation of maritime security measures, according to a statement.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s IPS Program was established in 2003 to reinforce implementation of the ISPS Code to better understand maritime security measures worldwide.
Committed to port security and working with our maritime trading partners, IPS Program delegations request to visit partner countries triennially to meet with officials responsible for the oversight of port security and observe the implementation of the ISPS Code within the country’s ports.
“During this Country Assessment, the U.S. Coast Guard worked directly with the Department of Shipping in a bilateral exchange of port security information and sharing of best practices, said Head of Delegation Lieutenant Commander Nagy.
He also thanked the Department of Shipping for this opportunity to continue these discussions between the governments to improve port security measures in respective countries and learn more about Bangladesh’s implementation of the ISPS Code.
He added, "The knowledge gained from this assessment will be used by ports around the country to enhance their port security programs, thus enhancing the security of the worldwide maritime transportation system. We believe these port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit”.
The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to maintaining partnerships worldwide to improve U.S. safety and security, offering a reciprocal port security program for foreign government officials.
