Etisalat Academy to launch Maritime Security Courses

Offered in conjunction with Global Village Strategies, an Australian security organization, these courses are designed to assist the maritime industry in gearing up to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 1 July 2004 deadline for introducing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

'We are always keen to identify and fulfil the training requirements of the local and regional business community. We realized that the maritime industry in the UAE and beyond was in a dire need for world-class training in the field of maritime security at a time the IMO has mandated conformity of all businesses using ports to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). Hence, the launch of a series of maritime security courses in conjunction with GVS, the leading Australian security company,' said Dr. Doaa Fares, Etisalat Academy General Manager.

'The new initiative attests once again to the excellent training reputation that Etisalat Academy enjoys worldwide. It has become a strategic partner of choice in the Middle East for many leading international institutions and organizations,' he added

The ISPS Code training programs include, among others, a Port Facility Security Officer Risk Assessment Workshop and a Management Familiarisation program. Special courses covering the roles of Port Facility Security Officers, Ship Security Officers, Company Security Officers and Ships Crews are also on offer. A Common Induction Program is available for people required by ports to be trained in the Code before being allowed access to the port.

'GVS is proud to team up with Etisalat Academy, whose reputation and training facilities are recognized worldwide, and is well located in the popular resort city of Dubai. Some of these courses are new and are very popular in Australia where the Government and Port Operators have mandated ISPS Security Familiarisation training for all businesses users of a port,' said Brigadier David Noble, Executive Chairman of Global Village Strategies.

'The ISPS Code courses are run by instructors from Global Village Strategies (GVS) , which is a Recognised Security Organisation in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. GVS already completes ISPS Code assignments and training in Australia and New Zealand. The courses will be delivered at Etisalat Academy in Dubai, or at individual ports,' he added

'Countries throughout the world are working hard to meet the 1 July deadline, when the new rules become operational. As training is part of this legislation, the ISPS courses GVS is leading at Etisalat Academy will surely prove very popular with Maritime Industry participants in the GCC and the Middle East,' he stated.

The IMO adopted the Code in December 2002, in response to increasing terrorism and threats. The Code was introduced as an amendment to the IMO's International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).