U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security representatives stand for a picture with representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Brunei Immigrations at the conclusion of port security discussions in Brunei in March. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Activities Far East/Released)
SINGAPORE — A U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security team completed a bilateral engagement with Brunei officials in March.
This engagement involved sharing best practices and visiting with the Director of Marine Department, Ministry of Communications to observe the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code at two port facilities in the Port of Muara: Muara Container Terminal, and Muara Serasa Ferry Terminal.
“In a global economy, your security is our security,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chester Warren, IPS Program liaison officer, U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East. “The U.S. Coast Guard appreciates Brunei’s invitation and their commitment to improving port security.”
In 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard developed the IPS Program to reinforce the implementation of the ISPS Code. Brunei became signatory to the ISPS Code in 2004. The IPS Program seeks to facilitate secure maritime commerce globally and prevent transnational crime organizations from exploiting the maritime domain.
The U.S. Coast Guard IPS Program conducts annual visits to assess the effectiveness of seaport anti-terrorism measures and provides recommendations to government officials to reduce the risk of maritime security incidents and impacts to the global and regional supply chain. The IPS Program is designed to assist seaports overcome security challenges in a dynamic and ever changing threat environment.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Activities Far East unit coordinates with over 40 countries to execute these bilateral engagements.
