Work to assist the Government of Cameroon to develop a national maritime security strategy is underway in Yaoundé, from 5 to 14 July, IMO informed.
As explained, senior government officials from departments and agencies concerned with maritime matters are attending meetings with an IMO consultant, with a view to setting up a maritime security committee. This committee will set the course for a draft programme and strategy to enhance the country’s maritime security.
These efforts fall under IMO’s Strategy for Implementing Sustainable Maritime Security Measures in West and Central Africa.
The aim is for the IMO Member States in West and Central Africa to put in place national legislation to criminalize piracy, attacks against ships, and other illicit maritime activities; coordinate structures and procedures; and have in place well-trained operational, technical and logistical personnel to effectively discharge their responsibilities in all aspects of maritime safety, security and marine environmental protection, thereby also enhancing regional trade by sea.