Accra, Sept. 28, GNA - A five-day workshop organized by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) in conjunction with International Maritime Organization (IMO) to equip governmental agencies on Port States Control (PSC) matters ended on Friday.
The workshop was aimed at providing information on IMO conventions dealing with PSC and it was under the theme; "Ensuring maritime safety". The participants were drawn from GMA, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Institute of Surveyors (GhIS) and Regional Maritime Academy (RMA).
There were taken through: Latest sales protocol, IMO model audit scheme, surveys and certification, latest developments in IMO conventions, obligations, responsibilities of the port state and regulatory framework, procedures, inspection practice, collection, analysis of data and many others. Mr. Isaka Peter Azumah, Director General of GMA, in his closing remarks said the general overview of the workshop would give the Authority clear road map to guide its activities concerning inspections, coordination and exchange of information for effective monitoring and enforcement provisions of the major IMO conventions dealing with PSC. Mr. Azumah said the Authority had established office for PSC in Tema and would ensure that its officers were trained for the PSC office to commence work as soon as practicable, adding that it would also provide the needed logistics and documentation to enhance their operations.
"The Authority will also endeavour to send its offices outside the country on attachments programmes at other Maritime Authorities for further implant training". He assured the participants and general public that; the Authority was taking effective measures to ensure that port state sub-standard do not enter the Ghanaian waters.
