Port of London Authority's David Phillips: “The real security question very often is more prosaic”

SMi’s 5th Annual International Port Security addresses the latest developments in port security enforcement focusing on the rise in organised crime within ports, compliance with the ISPS code and new systems including the Port Security Management System, the event organizer SMi said Tuesday in a press release.

Case studies from ports around the globe, briefing sessions from government bodies and leading security technology providers ensure delegates are up-to-date with high priority information that enables you to best secure your seaports, economies and means of trade.

International Port Security hosts an exceptional roster of key opinion leaders and provides unrivalled insight into challenges faced in ports from theft of cargo, illegal immigration, drug smuggling and corruption of high level port staff, which is the key to the majority of organized crime operations. Visiongain valued the maritime security market at $21.8bn in 2013. With 2014 showing no sign of slowing up in terms of investment in the sector, it is imperative that stakeholders understand where and why this huge figure is being spent and have the opportunity to compare the best practice of global leaders against their own mitigation of threat.

This event aims to bring together International speakers from key nations including West Africa, Northern Europe, the Middle East and many more. The highly anticipated International Port Security 2014 conference is a must attend event for port security professionals looking to network with international ports and examine the latest challenges facing the industry.

Key international organizations that will deliver their presentations are the following: Port of London Authority, Portuguese Navy, Port of Hamburg, Port of Santos, Brazil, Los Angeles Port Police, Port of Dover, Saudi Ports Authority, Port Of Gothenburg, Port of Antwerp, International Maritime Organisation, NATO Shipping Centre, Maritime Command Northwood and EU Commission.

In the run up to the 5th annual International Port Security event, SMi Group are proud to present their keynote speaker, Commander David Phillips, Chief Harbour Master, Port of London Authority who has taken the time out of his busy schedule to give us his view on this year's conference, challenges facing the industry and the future of port security.

Snippet of Interview:

Q. About you – what is your role and current activities, generally speaking?
I am the Chief Harbour Master at the Port of London Authority and so responsible under the terms of the Port of London Act (an Act of Parliament) and the Port Marine Safety Code for managing the safe navigation of all vessels, both commercial and recreational along the 95 miles of the tidal River Thames, which is home also to the 2nd largest port by volume traded in the United Kingdom.

Q. What is the value/strength of this year’s conference?
What particularly struck me about this year’s conference compared with other security conferences I have attended in the past, is its scope and balance. All too often security conferences focus too much on the more newsworthy aspects such as piracy and criminal activity, whereas the real security question very often is more prosaic: which one of many thousands of containers aboard that particular ship is holding the dangerous or illegal cargo? The agenda for this conference shows a very broad scope embracing all the key security issues, including my example above and furthermore is well-balanced in the time apportioned to key security issues.

Read more on www.smi-online.co.uk.

About SMi Group
The SMi Group is a highly professional, independent and global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops and Master classes,  and  online  Communities.  The  SMi  Group  creates  and  delivers events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries.