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Since the 911 multiple terrorists attack in 2001, security measures on international maritime transport have become more critical around the world. Port facility security, which has been strengthened in many countries, is based on the International maritime safety measures of the revised International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention which became effective on 1 July 2004.

"Capacity Development for Port Facility Security" program was established in 2005, just after the said international maritime security measures were adopted. The program was initially targeted for ASEAN and its surrounding countries, and was expanded to cover all countries adopting international maritime safety measures in 2016. Since its establishment, this is the 17th time this program has been conducted, with 246 participants from 35 countries attending in total.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's program was conducted online, with 13 participants from 8 countries namely Cambodia, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Maldives, Mozambique Samoa and Timor-Leste separating into two groups (Asia and Africa Groups) because of the time difference. The programs were conducted for 8 days in July and August 2021 respectively.

Country Report Presentation by a participant from Cambodia (Asia Group)

This was the first time this program had been conducted online, and although internet connection problems did occur in some countries, lectures on themes such as Audit Inspection, Security Equipment (e.g., fences and lights), and Implementation Plan and Practice were delivered by the Japanese experts. Country report presentation on PowerPoint by the participants, individual consultations as well as group discussions were also carried out smoothly. By utilizing a quiz-like content of a Learning Management System, grades of the participants were also recorded to understand where the participants had difficulties understanding in the program and to provide additional information and guidance in those sections.

Japanese expert organizing a group discussion

Contents of the Group Discussion (Africa Group)

Examples of LMS (keeping records of each participants to provide advice)

The framework and the methodology of the program has not changed up to today, but effectiveness relies heavily on the continuity of the operation on the ground as well as the capacity of the security officers. Therefore, there is a high need for a program such as this with the vision on enhancing the practical capacity of the security officers.

It was unfortunate that the program could not be conducted with the participants visiting Japan and taking part in the highly organized group practice sessions on the ground. To enhance the effectiveness of the program, it was restructured and strengthened in order to deliver more practical knowledge related to port facility security in the lectures. Promoting communications between the lectures and the participants was also proven successful as many enthusiastic and lively discussions were conducted throughout the program. For some participants, it was the first time they have joined in these discussion sessions internationally but were eagerly involved in the discussions about the future tasks of port security. Here are some of the voices heard from the participants; "The lectures and the documents were very informative. It was a very useful program." "It was a great opportunity for me to share experiences with other participants."

We hope to continue improving our program for better quality and higher satisfaction from our participants to support the development in their countries.

Closing Ceremony for Africa Group (2021)

(Collaboration in editing) The Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda) is a set of international development goals from 2016 to 2030, which was adopted by the UN Sustainable Development Summit held in September 2015. The 2030 Agenda listed "Sustainable Development Goals" consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets in order to eradicate poverty and realize a sustainable world.

This training program is expected to contribute in achieving the 16th goal of 17 SDG; "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"