Port authority introduces day passes to access all ports |22 September 2022
Mr Alcindor
All stevedores, whether working on full time or casual basis, and the general public coming into the port for any transactions, will be required to wear a port pass, including a visibility vest for them to get access.
Ronny Alcindor, port facility security officer of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), said this during yesterday’s press conference held at the New Port, on new security measures to be applied with respect to access the commercial port that accommodates international vessels, the industrial fishing port (old port) and other port facilities around the country managed by SPA.
Mr Alcindor said a port pass is needed to ensure that the person holding it is vetted to enter the port premises.
He added that the passes will have to be displayed at all times and those failing to adhere will not be granted access to the commercial port.
Regarding port passes for stevedores, Mr Alcindor said the wearing of the pass will take effect as from Monday October 17, 2022. The pass will cost R150 per year and it can be purchased at SPA’s reception at the commercial port.
He added that stevedoring companies still have to continue to ensure that a list of all personnel who will be conducting stevedoring activities on each particular date is provided to the port’s security department at least 24 hours in advance to facilitate access.
Apart from the display of the port passes, stevedores will also have to wear a visibility vest.
In regard to port access for the general public, Mr Alcindor said those accessing the port for any transaction, including for cargo clearing, will be required to present their national identification card (ID) to the port security to be issued with a temporary pass which should be visible at all times while within the port facility.
The identification cards will be handed back to the ID holders upon exit in exchange for the temporary port passes.
The issuing of port pass for the general public will take effect on Monday October 3, 2022.
Mr Alcindor also said that as from Monday October 3, 2022, for safety reasons, children below 18 years of age will not be allowed to enter the port to help in any port transactions, especially in relation to clearing.
He said the port is a highly restricted area and the activities going on are restricted to children.
He noted that a child can accompany someone to drop another person inside the port but will not be allowed to stay to follow port activities going on.
He said the port has no facility to cater for children’s security when everything is in operation.
Mr Alcindor said the measures are necessary to ensure that Port Victoria remains abreast of and in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
He added that the port is a restricted area which is being monitored for its security and safe worthiness by local and international bodies and it is the reason why SPA is making sure that it is maintaining a high level of security and safety within the port premises.
Mr Alcindor noted that the port passes will be in different ISPS code colours for the different personnel working in the different sectors within the port, allowing the security personnel to maintain control and movement to unauthorised areas.
Text & photos by Patrick Joubert
