Maritime Security Alliance for Haiti (MSAH)

Maritime Security Alliance for Haiti (MSAH)
Overview | Schedule of MSAH Activities-2006 | Results | Partners

Request For Proposal: RFP PFSO Training Program

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Overview

Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) launched in November of 2004, an initiative aimed at mobilizing the leaders of the public and private sector community to take a more active role in supporting maritime security efforts in Haiti, specifically through the development of the Maritime Security Alliance for Haiti (MSAH). CCAA has developed the foundation of the MSAH by bringing together a public/private sector coalition, committed to International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) compliance in Haiti. The coalition, working in collaboration with the national Port Authority, includes:

Association Maritime d'Haïti (AMARH)
Association des Terminaux Privés (ASOTEMP)
Haiti Terminal
International Maritime Terminal (IMT)
Maritime Logistics of Haiti (MLH)

This project is being funded partially by USAID through the award of an initial challenge grant of $700,000, matched by contributions from the government of Haiti and local and international private sector. Initially scheduled to close in December 2005, the MSAH has been extended a full year to December 2006, through an additional challenge grant of US$1,000,000 and with matched contributions from key partners. CCAA, as the executing agency, is working in consultation with the Florida Ports Council (FPC) and other technical partners to successfully complete the project. The Association des Industries d'Haïti (ADIH) is the local coordinator.

The MSAH is committed to improving Haiti’s maritime port security and ensuring the uninterrupted maritime trade to and from the country. Since the implementation of new maritime security regulations as set forth by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ISPS code, and the U.S.’ Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) legislation, security requirements have become an integral part of the trading system, determining the flow of goods just as quotas do. The MSAH has as its primary objective the establishment of a comprehensive program in Haiti’s ports, starting with Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitian, and Saint Marc, to ensure that they meet ISPS and MTSA maritime security requirements.

The MSAH developed a multi-faceted program that will mobilize the leaders from the business community (local and international) to take a more visible role in supporting maritime security efforts with their stakeholders (peers, workforces, customers, suppliers, etc.). Through this Alliance, CCAA created a network of respected public and private sector individuals who commit themselves in terms of time and resources to educate and engender broad-based support for the implementation of required systems related to Haiti’s port security, consistent with identified best practices.

The MSAH goals are to:

Contribute to the development of Port Facility Security Assessments and Plans for Haiti;
Provide Maritime Security and ISPS Code Training (including training for both Executives, Port Security Officers, and staff per the ISPS Code, as well as briefing other relevant public and private sector partners on impact of non-compliance to trade);
Work towards the development and implementation of required drills & exercises;
Launch public awareness programs on the new Maritime Security Regime;
Identify infrastructure improvements (e.g., fencing, lighting, CCTV) that are necessary for ISPS and MTSA compliance;
Provide additional port personnel training in guard security, waterborne security and cargo screening, and
Support the institutionalization of a Maritime Security Council

Working with the maritime associations in Haiti, the HAMCHAM, the Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), and other private sector organizations, including our own business team members such as Seaboard Marine and others, CCAA is serving as the catalyst for a coordinated program of activities in Haiti with stakeholders and constituents to provide education awareness programming for users of the ports and the general population as to the realities related to the new maritime security regime that will be implemented and the impact that it will have on port access, trade, industry, and employment.