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Abuja MoU Considering Installation Of Body Cameras For PSC Officers-Umoren
Fred Omotara, Lagos
The Secretary General of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region generally referred to as Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren has said that in a bid to checkmate integrity issues during Port State Control (PSC) inspection, the group is considering installation of body camera’s on PSC Officers.
Addressing Chief Executives of all Maritime Administrations signatory to the Abuja MoU at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), organized workshop on Port State Control for West and Central African Region in Lagos on Monday, Umoren explained that without such technology, it is difficult to establish cases of integrity issues between the Ship Masters and the Port State Control Officers during PSC audit.
According to Umoren, “With the increased issues of transparency, we have been working with ‘The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network’ which clearly highlights integrity issues with the Port State Control officers.
“Yes, the determination of such cases are arguably based on the words of the Masters against the Port State Control Officers and this usually leaves the Maritime Administration s (MARADS) and the MoUs with low quality evidence to act on.
“We are happy the end is on sight by the innovative application of existing technology being tested by the Australian Maritime Authority. The technology is the Bodycam (the type used by the Police).
“With real time recording, this technology is being considered with the need to ensure that they are intrinsically safe for the maritime world especially tankers’ environment. Is this the way forward? We will wait until such is given the endorsement and approval required