Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07DOHA201
2007-02-22 13:12:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Doha
Cable title:  

QATAR PETROLEUM'S CONFIRMATION OF SECURITY PROCEDURES

Tags:  ENRG EPET ETRD ASEC QA 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHDO #0201/01 0531312
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221312Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY DOHA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6247
UNCLAS DOHA 000201 

SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING TAG AND EDITING SUBJECT)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG EPET ETRD ASEC QA
SUBJECT: QATAR PETROLEUM'S CONFIRMATION OF SECURITY PROCEDURES

REF: STATE 17146

UNCLAS DOHA 000201

SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING TAG AND EDITING SUBJECT)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG EPET ETRD ASEC QA
SUBJECT: QATAR PETROLEUM'S CONFIRMATION OF SECURITY PROCEDURES

REF: STATE 17146


1. Saad al-Kaabi, director of oil and gas ventures at Qatar
Petroleum (QP),submitted by e-mail the following document in
response to reftel. The QP document confirms, line by line, all of
the security procedures noted during the January 31 videoconference
between QP and U.S. energy, transportation, and security officials.
The QP document also adds, in the final line, "All RLC [Ras Laffan
City] Port security staff receive ISPS Port Security training by
professional accredited ISPS Training Institution which includes
Global Marine UK." The full text of the document is in paragraph 4.



2. Al-Kaabi's email included an invitation for the U.S. Coast Guard
to visit Ras Laffan port as part of ISPS Code clarification. The
text of al-Kaabi's email follows in paragraph 3.


3. Text of February 22 email from Saad al-Kaabi to Embassy Doha
Pol/Econ Chief.

In response to the inquiry which came from the US Government
addressed to Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in turn to Qatar
Petroleum, attached is QP/RLC's confirmation. Our intention is to
respond to each point raised in the inquiry. Note, however, as we
informed you during the video conference, some of our responses must
refer you to the Qatar Ministry of Interior should you need further
information on certain points.

As also discussed by phone, QP/RLC welcomes the U.S. Coast Guard to
once again pay a visit to Ras Laffan Port should more clarification
on the ISPS and/security [sic] plan be required. Please direct any
such planned visit directly to the Director of Ras Laffan City and
Port, Ras Laffan Industrial City Directorate, Mr. Misnad Abdulla Ali
Al-Misnad, Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, Phone +974-4733501,
Fax +974- 4733509, e-mail: almisnad@qp.com.qa.


4. Text of QP Port Security document.

SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION OF QP/RLC PORT SECURITY SCREENING PROCEDURE

With reference to the video conference held on January 31, 2007 with
U.S. experts on energy, transportation, and port security from the
department of Homeland Security, Energy, Transportation, Treasury,
and State with representatives from Qatar Petroleum (QP) / Ras
Laffan Industrial City (RLC),the following can be confirmed:

(1) It is our understanding that when individuals enter Qatar from a
foreign country they are screened by Qatari government officials for
derogatory information prior to their admission. We understand that
foreigners who pose a security threat are denied entry by officials
of the Qatar Interior Ministry. However, the Qatar Ministry of
Interior would be a better source of information on the applicable
policy.

(2) QP/RLC has a multilayered approached to personnel screening at
the Ras Laffan Industrial Complex where LNG is loaded onto vessels
destined for foreign Ports.

-- QP/RLC and its affiliates screen all personnel before they are
hired.

-- QP/RLC personnel are screened via the Qatar Ministry of Interior
which, we understand makes use of databases.

QP/RLC personnel are re-screened periodically, even after they have
been hired.

(3) If the screening process reveals derogatory information about
these individuals, QP/RLC and its affiliates conduct an
investigation of the relevant personnel to determine the suitability
of the individual as an employee.

-- Depending on the investigation's outcome, individuals can/or have
been dismissed from QP/RLC in cases where the suitability of the
employee is in question for what ever reason (Security Performance
related etc.)

-- Individuals can be and/or have been deported from Qatar as and
when a foreigner is dismissed or he/she is in violation of the
country's law and regulations.

(4) Personnel access to the Ras Laffan facility is limited.

-- Access to Ras Laffan Industrial City is limited and access to the
Port is further limited to those that have a valid security permit.

-- Currently there is only one access gate to the Port itself and
vehicle and personnel access to the Port facilities are tightly
controlled.

-- QP/RLC screen all individuals who are required for performing
work inside the Port area regardless whether they are QP/RLC or
other company's personnel. They are subject to permit screening each
time they enter Ras Laffan Industrial City, and again when they
enter the Port area.
-- QP/RLC is running an online 72-hours pre-arrival notification and
clearance system for vessel access.

-- Currently only LNG and Petrochemical related products and related
supplies and materials are loaded at the Port.

(5) QP/RLC utilizes Global Marine, a UK-headquartered firm, for
consulting services that include training of security personnel.
Security training is an ongoing process.

-- All RLC Port security staff receive ISPS Port Security training
by professional accredited ISPS Training Institution which includes
Global Marine UK.

Regards,
[End text.]
UNTERMEYER