T
he Tanzania Ports Authority has a duty of care to ensure that all cargo passing through its facilities is handled both safely and securely. This same duty of care extends to all employees, and to visitors to the port areas under the TPA’s direct control.
which has seen the introduction of smart card entry at each visitor gate. As a result, both staff and visitors now require an annually renewable electronic card to enter buildings and to pass key security points within the port area. Modern secure heavy-duty barriers are now in place at all eight gates in Dar es Salaam port. These reinforce the TPA’s
This is particularly important in terms
heightened security regime and, with new
of security as Dar es Salaam port, for
gatehouses and electronic fencing, they
example, regularly handles consignments
represent the port’s outer rim security.
of high-value cargo including precious
Fencing all round the port perimeter
minerals, copper (from Zambia) and tan-
sends an electronic signal to a control
talite. To ensure that customer confidence
centre if anyone tries to breach these
is fully maintained, the TPA has invested
upgraded defences.
in the very latest security systems and in vitally important human resources.
Scanners are the last element of the TPA’s security network and are to be installed
This investment in security hardware in
at main building entrances and gates.
Dar es Salaam includes the purchase
These will scan all visitors and their bags
of new patrol boats, new electronic
for weapons or any other items prohibited
surveillance equipment including the
within the port area.
ISPS compliant To ensure that TPA’s seaports are recognised internationally, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara and Tanga are all International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliant. TPA has concluded a comprehensive Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) and prepared a Port Security Facility Plan (PFSP), which has been subsequently approved by the regulatory authority. To ensure that safety and security features comply with IMO standards, all Tanzanian ports undergo annual inspections from both internal and external auditors. Ports are then issued with ISPS compliance certificates.
installation of CCTV, a modern access control system and screening machines (comprising walk-through detectors and X-ray equipment). In particular, the TPA has purchased an Integrated Security System (ISS), which was commissioned in late 2015.
CENTREPIECE The centrepiece ISS project is designed to protect Dar es Salaam from cargo theft and from threats of terrorism. The US$ 6 million scheme involved the installation of some 465 CCTV cameras in all areas of the port and at head office. At the same time, 180 new high-powered lights have been installed in the Port of Dar es Salaam at the quayside and in the yards as well as two lights for each security post. In turn, this is supported and enhanced by the TPA’s new Access Control System
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