Ports across the United Republic of Tanzania are stepping up efforts to enhance their preparedness against maritime security threats, following a series of targeted training sessions held in Dar es Salaam.
The training, organized under the framework of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, brought together port security officers, harbour masters, and representatives from the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). Participants engaged in both theoretical sessions and practical drills aimed at improving coordination during potential security incidents.
Key exercises simulated scenarios such as unauthorized access to restricted areas, stowaway detection, and response to suspicious packages. The drills also focused on strengthening inter-agency communication between port operators, law enforcement, and the navy — a critical element in ensuring a swift and unified response to maritime threats.
Officials noted that the initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader goal of maintaining safe and secure port operations to attract trade and investment along its Indian Ocean coastline. With Dar es Salaam serving as a vital regional gateway for cargo bound for landlocked neighbours such as Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, heightened security readiness remains a top priority.
The exercises were conducted in collaboration with international maritime security partners and are expected to be extended to other key ports, including Tanga and Mtwara, in the coming months.
A senior TPA representative remarked that continuous training and simulation exercises are essential to ensuring that “security systems do not remain theoretical, but are tested, refined, and ready for real-world deployment.”
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