A live security drill at a cruise ship terminal in Mexico has given participants the opportunity to hone their skills and assess where any improvements can be made, IMO says in a press release. The exercise, including a simulated bomb threat, was part of a workshop on Maritime Security Drills and Exercises, delivered by the Mexican National Maritime Authority (SEMAR) and the organizers of XIII International Forum on Maritime and Port Security (PBIP Forum), in cooperation with IMO, in Cozumel, Mexico (27-30 May) at the Cozumel Cruise terminal. Participants in the drills and workshop included the cruise terminal port facility security officers, the ship security officers, the navy, bomb squad and others.
IMO also participated in the PBIP forum, with Gisela Vieira outlining the Organization's work on capacity building through its global programme on maritime security,and reflecting on this year's World Maritime Day theme, "Empowering Women in the Maritime Community".
The PBIP fora serve as a cooperation network in maritime and port security, to help achieve the full, effective and uniform application of the requirements of IMO's International ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Participants include government officials, PFSOs and senior-level directors and managers representing the main ports and port facilities and the industry in Latin-America.