KENYA SOCIALIST DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (KSDA)

                                                                                                                                         

Date: 15th May, 2004 

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INSTRUMENTS 

In the last four years Kenya Ports Authority has made many great steps to make the Mombasa Port regain its glory. It is worthy to note that the level of IT and Communications, security and safety standards, port state control, spirited working culture as well as the growing traffic through put of 11.9 million tons last year up from 10.5 million tons recorded in 2002 is a success story.  

However, it hurts very much to say that owing to the government of Kenya not giving much seriousness in the implementation of the international maritime conventions the port of Mombasa might by 1st July this year black listed for non-implementation of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code. 

This is a mandatory requirement (code) that has been developed under the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) convention. 

It requires that all ports involved in International Trade implement some security measures to guard themselves against both international and local terrorism. 

The code is coming into force in July, this year and therefore there is a need for urgent action to ensure compliance. Failure to comply by that date will render the port of Mombasa blacklisted. 

It is disheartening to also note herein that by July this year Kenyan Seafarers will not be allowed to board any Ocean-going vessel for not having the Seafarers Identity Document (SID). 

This is a new requirement for seafarers that calls for a stand a lone document, which will be used as a Seaman Identity Document. 

It is intended to facilitate ease of movement of the seafarers when joining and leaving their ships and also when they are in need of going on shore leave in a foreign port.  

The convention comes into effect in July, this year and any seafarer without the document will not be allowed to board any ship. The new convention replaces International Labour Organization (ILO) convention 108, agreed in 1958, and aims to provide effective security from terrorism while ensuring that the world’s 1.25 million seafarers will be given the freedom of movement necessary for their well-being and for their professional activities. The new convention will uphold the principle that seafarers should not be required to hold a visa for the purposes of shore leave.  

The new identity card will include encoded fingerprint information plus a photo of the holder. 

The way forward in implementing these requirements is to provide a legal framework. 

We therefore, call-upon the government of Kenya to urgent enact the merchant shipping bill 2003, the inland waterways bill 2003 and the maritime regulatory authority bill 2003. 

Andrew Mwangura

Programs Coordinator

Seafarers Assistance Program 

Published by Kenya Socialist Democratic Alliance (KSDA)
email: harakatips@hotmail.com

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