CT gets ready for CSI compliance

September deadline for port security upgrades ALAN PEAT THE PORT of Cape Town is preparing itself to become container security initiative (CSI) compliant, according to Emma Maspero of the CSIR. Compliance with CSI was not a requirement of the international shipping and port facility security (ISPS) code or part of maritime legislation, she told the port liaison forum, but it would eventually be applied in Cape Town. Indeed, the SA Revenue Service (Sars) is a wholehearted supporter of CSI, according to Maspero, and has allocated funding for all SA ports to be linked to the initiative. In this, Durban is still SA’s only CSI compliant port, but things start falling into place in the mother city in September, when its new-breed x-ray container scanner is due for installation at the harbour. This ability to randomly check containers is an essential function for CSI, Maspero added. And, said Sars, cargo scanners should ease the time delay, reduce the security risks and improve the overall supply chain of goods passing through customs – and are due to be installed at all SA ports. Commissioner Pravin Gordhan said the department would spend well over R1 billion this year – with 18 new x-ray scanners to be deployed at the country’s border points. The first R25-million scanner is due to be introduced at the Port of Durban in July, followed by roll-outs at Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) and the two main land border posts of Lebombo and Beit Bridge. Cape Town harbour follows in September and Port Elizabeth in November. Other proposed port locations are Coega, East London, Mossel Bay and Richards Bay and the inland container terminals in City Deep and Pretcon and at border posts such as Skilpadshek, Kopfontein, Groblers Bridge, Oshoek, and Nakop. Gordhan also announced the establishment of a Customs Border Investigative Unit to help combat the more sophisticated methods used to smuggle cargo and counterfeit goods in and out of the country. He said that smugglers and those committing fraud were using increasingly sophisticated methods to escape detection and it was necessary to counter this with equally sophisticated systems. In this, the port of Cape Town already has plans, according to port security officer (PSO) Paul Booysen of National Ports Authority (NPA). Deployment of SAPS border police would be in place by July 2007, he said. This would join a number of other factors related to port security in Cape Town. Capex for port security upgrades has been approved, said Booysen, and the target was end September 2006 for physical changes. New security companies would be employed by June, and CCTV/electronic access control by April 2007. Overarching legislation for security is currently being sought, Booysen added.