<\/p>\n
The five-day train-the-trainer course in Alexandria, Egypt, focused on implementing and enforcing the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The mandatory Code governs dangerous goods transported in packaged form and sets requirements for packing, container handling, stowage and the separation of incompatible substances.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The measures are intended to protect crews, port employees, ships and the marine environment. \u201cShipping is an inherently dangerous activity,\u201d International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Representative Ivaylo Valev said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cShips and those working on board them have to cope with the worst natural elements.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Valev said port personnel also faced difficult working conditions and commercial pressure to process vessels quickly despite the varied and complex nature of cargo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The IMO organised the course with the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector of Egypt\u2019s Ministry of Transport.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Twenty-nine government officials responsible for national implementation and enforcement attended.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Participants represented Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The training included a visit to the Port of Alexandria, where participants observed inspection and sampling procedures and exchanged operational practices.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Officials also examined the different responsibilities of flag, port and coastal states when regulating dangerous maritime cargo.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The course highlighted the importance of national legislation in translating international requirements into enforceable domestic rules.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cIMO\u2019s regulatory process does not suffice in itself to ensure enhanced safety and accident prevention,\u201d Valev said. \u201cIt must be matched by training.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The organisation said effective compliance required qualified seafarers and shore-based personnel who understood cargo documentation, inspections, emergency procedures and segregation requirements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The course equipped participants to train other officials in respective countries, extending knowledge beyond the 29 representatives who attended.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The organisation said stronger regional cooperation could support a harmonised compliance framework, improve shipping safety and help prevent pollution.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Effective enforcement of the Code would depend on continued investment in personnel, national legislation and coordination among maritime and port authorities, the organisation concluded.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–IMO\/ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n
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