Seychelles Ports Authority Gets Stronger Enforcement Powers Under New Regulations

VICTORIA, Seychelles, A new set of regulations giving more enforcement powers to the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) is expected to come into force this year, in line with the International Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL). The proposed Merchant Shipping (Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic) Regulation 2024 has been drafted to domesticate the FAL Convention, which Seychelles acceded to in the year 2000. The new text is intended to bring local rules fully in line with international obligations.

The Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) yesterday held a public consultation meeting to appraise interested parties of the provisions of the proposed draft. The meeting was attended by representatives of shipping agencies, port operators and other parties with an interest in the day-to-day operation of Port Victoria. Officials used the session to walk participants through the main changes introduced by the new text and to gather any final observations before publication.

Deputy chief executive of the SPA, Egbert Moustache, highlighted the importance of the regulations to give the SPA enforcement powers and make it mandatory for the port clients to make use of the Port Victoria Management Information System (PVMIS). The PVMIS is a web-based solution designed for real-time planning and management of port operations through full control of core port activities such as vessel traffic management, vessel calls and cargo-handling operations among others. It was launched on October 7, 2016, and is now used by all major agencies operating at the port.

The system is working really well and all the port-related agencies are already branched into the system, and putting it to work, Dr Moustache stated. But as we progress, we are making improvements and we hope that by July, things will work even better than now. The regulation comprises seven parts, and will apply to all passenger and cargo ships above 300 gross tonnes calling at Seychelles waters.

Ms Joseph explained that the regulations are straightforward, and provisions are already being implemented. The only reason that we need the regulations now is because the SPA is forging ahead with its digitalisation strategy, and they need to have the legal backing, she stated. No concerns were raised by those present, including shipping agents Hunt Deltel, Aquarius and Mahé Shipping, who welcomed the greater clarity the new text is expected to provide.