Speaking as the Guest-of-Honour at the International Maritime and Port Security Conference (IMPSC), Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport, said that efforts to beef up maritime security should be done at three levels – at the multilateral level, national level and individual level.

In his address, Minister Yeo highlighted the recent International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security as an example of the multilateral efforts required to enhance the safety and security of the port and shipping industry. The Diplomatic Conference adopted some wide-ranging measures to enhance maritime security, contained in the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the newly established International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code). The Minister pointed out that at the national level, Singapore has already begun to implement some of these measures. For instance, Singapore has already established shore-based AIS facilities and has restricted access to key areas within our port, such as oil terminals. He also stressed that maritime security needs to extend to the larger transportation and logistics industry, and that individual players within the industry also need to become aware and take action to improve maritime security.

Mr Chen Tze Penn, Director-General of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said in his Keynote Address, that Singapore accords very high priority to maritime and port security, while observing the principle of proportionality in its security measures. We also actively seek to forge partnerships at various levels.

The IMPSC is organised by the MPA, in an effort to help promote maritime and port security, and to highlight the various international efforts and initiatives in this area. It is the first conference to be held in Singapore to focus on issues concerning maritime security, under the theme of "Maritime Security – Changing Landscape and New Challenges". To be held over three days, from 21-23 Jan 03, the Conference has attracted about 400 participants from 30 countries.

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