The Gabonese Merchant Marine's (DGMM) top ship safety inspector, Lieutenant-Colonel Stéphane Nguiakori, has announced plans to enhance the organization's vessel inspection capabilities. This will be achieved by increasing the number of inspectors and developing specialized skills. According to Nguiakori, the goal is to improve the inspection of ships in Gabon's waters and ports. The DGMM has reported satisfactory inspection results so far. Over half of the targeted vessels have undergone inspections, demonstrating the presence of control services in Gabon's maritime areas.
The inspections enable the monitoring of vessels' compliance with international maritime safety standards. The detention rate, which involves immobilizing a ship due to serious deficiencies, has remained below 50%. These statistics indicate that the current inspection efforts are yielding positive outcomes. However, the DGMM faces a shortage of qualified inspectors. The evolving and diversifying maritime traffic requires increased control capacity. Therefore, augmenting the inspectorate is crucial to ensure regular coverage of operations and maintain safety requirements.
To address the shortage, Gabon will rely on regional cooperation, particularly through the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. This cooperation aims to enhance the training and technical skills of Gabon's inspectors. The goal is to promote specialization among inspectors based on the types of vessels calling at Gabonese ports, such as bulk carriers, tankers, and other ships transporting sensitive goods or products. Specialization will enable inspectors to effectively examine vessels and identify potential safety risks.
The DGMM's efforts focus on two complementary areas: strengthening human resources and developing specialized skills. By investing in these areas, the organization aims to sustainably improve the effectiveness of vessel inspections. This, in turn, will contribute to preventing maritime and professional risks. The increased inspection capacity will also help to ensure that vessels comply with international safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and environmental damage.
According to the Gabon Press Agency, the DGMM has made significant progress in its inspection activities. The organization has successfully inspected a substantial number of vessels, demonstrating its commitment to maritime safety. However, the shortage of qualified inspectors remains a challenge. To address this, the DGMM is exploring opportunities for collaboration with regional partners and international organizations.
The Abuja Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Gabon and other regional countries, provides a framework for cooperation on port state control. The agreement enables the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices in vessel inspection. By leveraging this cooperation, Gabon aims to enhance its inspection capabilities and improve maritime safety in the region.
In conclusion, Gabon's efforts to boost its maritime security inspection capabilities are underway. The DGMM is working to increase its inspectorate, develop specialized skills, and strengthen regional cooperation. These initiatives will contribute to improving vessel safety and preventing maritime risks. The country's commitment to maritime safety is reflected in its proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing its inspection services.
Key points
- Gabon to increase inspectors, develop specialized skills for maritime security
- Regional cooperation to enhance training and technical skills of inspectors
- Strengthening human resources and specialized skills to improve vessel inspection effectiveness
