Port security management and staff at Madagascar’s key ports have gained key skills in assessing and mitigating security risks, following a five-day training initiative held in Toamasina (28 July – 1 August 2025).
The training, led by IMO, brought together Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs), representatives from the Madagascar Port and Maritime Agency (APMF) and the Ministry of Transport. Sessions focused on strengthening their ability to identify, assess and respond to a range of port security threats, from smuggling and trafficking to environmental or hazardous material incidents.
A central focus was the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which are critical tools for ensuring clear and coordinated action during security incidents or crises. Well-developed SOPs, in line with requirements under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) and the SOLAS Convention, allow port facilities to raise or lower security alert levels appropriately, respond to incidents effectively and resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
In addition to discussing policies, participants took part in practical exercises to identify and address gaps in their current protocols, covering the following domains:
- Risk analysis methodologies;
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crisis response and emergency planning;
- Evaluating how well ports can manage incidents or support other security agencies during port-related security incidents;
- Reviewing emergency and evacuation plans, especially for dealing with marine pollution from hazardous materials stored or transported through the port.
Source: IMO
