Philip Tinsley, Maritime Security Manager, BIMCO, revealed to SAFETY4SEA plans for 2017 with the aim to enhance maritime security. Mr Tinsley said that BIMCO will continue to develop cyber security awareness throughout the industry by updating its cyber-related guidelines. Also, the release of a Global Best Management Practice document has been scheduled in 2017 as a complimentary on BMP4.
SAFETY4SEA: Do you think there was a significant success and/or progress made with respect to maritime safety during 2016? Focusing on your area of expertise, what were the most important industry developments within 2016?
Philip Tinsley: The continued safe passage for ships throughout the Gulf of Aden and West Indian Ocean region is testament to the use of BMP4, naval presence and the use of armed guards. The area of South East Asia and Singapore has seen a significant reduction in piracy throughout the year. This is due to better collaboration between the naval forces and coastguards of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
S4S: Focusing on your area of expertise, what do you think that it will be the biggest safety challenge(s) for the maritime safety for the 2017?
P.T.: Challenges for 2017 will be to continue suppression of piracy throughout the world. Support for the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDAT GoG) will need to increase to ensure it develops as a trusted reporting centre off W Africa.
S4S: What would be the 2017 resolutions for your company/ organization? What are your goals and aspirations to enhance shipping safety? Do you have any new projects on the pipeline and/or plans for 2017 that you would like to share?
P.T.: BIMCO will continue to develop cyber security awareness throughout the industry and will update and add to the successful Guidelines for Cyber Security Onboard Ships publication. A Global Best Management Practice document will be released in 2017 which will enhance anti-piracy procedures and build on the success of BMP4.
S4S: What is your overall forecast for shipping safety in 2017 and what would you like to share and/or wish and/or ask other industry stakeholders?
P.T.: Co-operation and adherence to best practice are the messages for 2017.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
