Facilitating cooperation among governments

The IMO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations wholly dedicated to maritime affairs, continues to support the PSP by facilitating cooperation among governments on technical and legal matters affecting international shipping to achieve the highest level of international standards for maritime safety, maritime security, and protection of the marine environment.

Strengthening maritime governance

National maritime governance is at the heart of the IMO’s activities delivered for the PSP beneficiary countries recently. Through the IMO, Comoros has established a National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC) to coordinate key aspects of the country’s maritime security, following a national workshop.

The latter emphasized on a strong national ownership and commitment to a whole-of-government approach to maritime security through the active participation of :

• Police,
• Customs,
• Coast Guard,
• Directorate of Civil Protection,
• Maritime Affairs Agency (ANAM),
• Port authorities (SCP),
• Gendarmerie Nationale,
• National Center for State Action at Sea (CNAEM),
• National Civil Aviation,
• Meteorology Agency,
• Ministry of Justice,
• Office of the Minister of Defense

In addition, Comoros benefited from Port Security trainings for Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs), Deputy PFSOs and representatives from the Agence Nationale des Affaires Maritimes (ANAM) in view of developing self- audit skills of participants. Self-assessment and auditing are essential for identifying security gaps and ensuring that maritime security measures are applied effectively, in line with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The workshop provided an opportunity to share knowledge and exchange best practices on improving port facility security in Comoros. Presentations and practical group exercises focused on how to plan and carry out security audits, prepare audit reports and identify follow-up actions. The final session included role-playing exercises where participants simulated an ISPS Code audit in a realistic setting.

Regional coordination and maritime security frameworks

At regional level, support was also provided to beneficiary countries to strengthen the implementation of the ISPS Code and related compliance frameworks across the EA-SA-IO region. In particular, assistance focused on adopting a whole-of-government (WOG) approach to the establishment of NMSCs.

This support included developing the NMSC structure, aligning it with national legislation, drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs), and conducting tabletop exercises to put the NMSC approach into practice and strengthen multi-agency coordination.

Furthermore, Kenya and Seychelles received support in developing their National Maritime Security Risk Reviews (NMSRRs). These reviews provide a threat matrix tailored to each country, helping authorities better identify risks, allocate resources and strengthen the effective implementation of the ISPS Code.

Developing maritime security skills and capabilities

In April 2026, Mozambique has laid the groundwork for the establishment of a National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC) under PSP and IMO’s guidance at a workshop held in Maputo. The workshop addressed key themes, including identifying maritime threats, the international maritime security framework, and the development process to establish an enduring and effective NMSC.

As the result, discussions underscored vital role of the NMSC in strengthening information-sharing and coordination across institutions.

The workshop also included a tabletop exercise designed to test national preparedness through different scenarios such as an evolving threat to port security that culminated in an explosion, and the interdiction of vessels suspected of carrying narcotics and arms.

The exercises assessed jurisdictional boundaries, decision and response capabilities, and identified areas for improved coordination and recovery.