Update on Turkish Implementation of ISPS Port

UNCLAS ANKARA 005144 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EB/TRA/OTP AND EUR/SE PARIS FOR TSA AND ECON DHS FOR COAST GUARD/MARITIME SECURITY - CDR LOSCIUTO DEPT PASS TRANSPORTATION DEPT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT PTER ETRD PREL TU SUBJECT: Update on Turkish Implementation of ISPS Port Assessments/Plans Ref: (A) State 194220 (B) Ankara 4811 (C) LoSciuto/Sirotic Email 8/25/04 Not for Internet Distribution. ¶1. In a September 8 conversation with Econoff, Okay Kilic, Head of the Maritime Security Department of the Maritime Administration (MA),clarified that Turkey has not/not yet complied with all requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea's (SOLAS) International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). ¶2. Kilic stated that Turkey has approved security assessments on all/all 154 port facilities. 146 of these facilities have submitted security plans, and the Maritime Administration has approved 121 of these plans. According to Kilic, the eight facilities which have not submitted plans are very minor ones with limited foreign trade. The 25 facilities which submitted plans awaiting MA approval do include major ports run by the Turkish Railway Administration such as Haydarpasa (Istanbul), Samsun, Iskenderun and Mersin. Kilic stated that, despite the fact that their plans have not yet been approved, these ports have put security measures in place. MA is reviewing their plans carefully and conducting site visits, and Kilic expects all outstanding plans to be completed within the next two weeks. ¶3. Kilic reiterated that lack of identification numbers for some facilities may prevent other users of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) database from accessing complete information on Turkish port security. He recommended accessing MA's website (www.denizcilik.gov.tr/isps/Safe_Ports) for current information. ¶4. We note that the September 16 visit of International Port Security Liaison Officer LCDR Michael Bee to Ankara and the upcoming visit of Kilic to a U.S. port provide opportunities to exchange information and reinforce the need to complete ISPS requirements as soon as possible. Edelman