Moldova will strengthen security measures at ports and on ships to ensure the safety and integrity of international trade through ports.
The government made a corresponding decision at the initiative of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, approving a resolution to strengthen port security and security on board of ships, as well as approving two provisions aimed at strengthening port security and strengthening the security of ships and port facilities. As noted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, due to the constant increase in the volume of goods transported through ports, the development of measures to ensure the protection of port infrastructure, ships, personnel and goods from security threats and attacks is becoming a priority. The measures and actions that it was decided to take are similar to those carried out by the European Union and include: establishing security levels; approval and implementation of security plans and their monitoring; training and preparation of safety exercises. There is no provision for allocation of funds from the state budget to implement the decisions taken. It is agreed that the Water Transport Agency of Moldova will coordinate and monitor the implementation of port security measures, including the establishment of security levels. There are 3 levels of security, with each level providing measures in accordance with the perceived risk (normal, increased or imminent threat). Port security plans, depending on the security levels, provide specific security measures, procedures and actions to be taken in relation to passengers and vehicles boarding/departing seagoing vessels. Port security assessments and port security plans will be reviewed as necessary, but at least once every 5 years. Annexes to the resolution include: safety assessment criteria; port security plan requirements; requirements for conducting safety drills. The Regulation on Improving the Security of Ships and Port Facilities, approved by the Cabinet, sets out measures that must be taken to improve the safety of ships used in international trade and related port facilities from threats posed by deliberate unlawful acts. The regulation establishes special measures to improve safety. Thus, safety requirements will be established, as well as the order of organization and compliance of safety management systems for operators owning and/or operating sea vessels under the flag of Moldova and control of sea vessels calling at the sea ports of the Republic of Moldova. Optimal procedures are in place to reduce risks to vessel safety; duty to assess the safety of the ship. Each sea vessel flying the flag of Moldova must have an approved ship safety plan on board.// 10.01.2024 — InfoMarket.
