AKIPRESS.COM - Modernization of seaport control procedures following the COVID-19 pandemic was the focus of an OSCE-organized online training course that took place from 1 to 5 November 2021.

An expert from the United States led the training course that focused on sharing experiences on maritime security issues and presenting modern methods in improving the security responsibilities of law enforcement, border control agencies, port officials and quarantine agents serving at the Turkmenbashy international seaport on the Caspian Sea coast.

The agenda of the training course included sessions on maritime security concept and responsibilities, port security assessment and planning, emergency preparedness and security administration, threat identification and response among others. The trainer touched also upon gender balance in ports and border security and placed a specific focus on the ramifications of the ongoing pandemic crisis for seaport facilities and marine checkpoints, which resulted in the introduction of additional security and protection measures, increase of documentation procedures for passengers crossing borders, quarantine requirements for cargo shipments and extra medical check-ups.

“The global pandemic has brought changes to border security and management procedures for the safe movement of people and goods across borders, seaport logistics and international transportation chains. In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, business continuity plans and emergency response mechanisms have become more important than ever,” said William Leaf, Political Officer at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. He added that seaports play a major role in the supply chain and it is important that security personnel is responsible for their part of safety management and the overall protection of the port facility.

The event brought together 22 operational level officers representing the Ministry of Defense, Transport Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, the State Border, Customs and Migration Services, General Prosecutor’s Office as well as “Turkmendenizderyayollary” marine transport agency and Turkmenbashy International Seaport Administration.

The training was part of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat’s long-term support to the Government of Turkmenistan in strengthening border security policy and management mechanisms.