Press Release

SHIP AND PORT FACILITY SECURITY AUDIT

 

TRANSEC, the Security Branch of the Department for Transport, recently carried out an inspection of the security Facilities at Stornoway Harbour . This was the first visit by TRANSEC since the inception of the International Ship and Port Security Regulations in 2004.

 

The Harbour Master reported the findings of the Audit to the Stornoway Port Authority Board at its meeting on 31 August 2006. The inspection team were generally satisfied with the efforts made by the Port Authority in improving Port Security, by installing CCTV systems and the security fencing required to establish Restricted Areas as defined by the Regulations. However, some deficiencies were identified in areas such as the management of cruise ship passengers at the main Ferry Terminal and inadequate fencing on the Hazardous Cargo Berth. The issue with continued security during cruise ship passenger landings will be immediately addressed by implementing some procedural changes, whilst the fencing on the Hazardous Cargo Berth will be modified to ensure full compliance with the Security Regulations.

 

Commenting, Harbour Master Captain Torquil Macleod said the inspection was most welcome by the operational staff and the Board of the Stornoway Port Authority, as a means of establishing a benchmark on where the port facility fits in with the ISPS Regulations. The Port Security is for the best part on Level 1, but the framework has to be in place to step up the Security Level if required by TRANSEC.