NMSA improves systems

THE National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has improved its capacity to monitor international and local vessels to detec illegal activities, chief executive officer Pual Unas says.
“We have improved our navigation systems through the maritime and waterways safety programme over the past three years,” he said.
Unas was speaking at the launch of NMSA coastal monitoring stations, automatic identification system and Vessel Monitoring Centre (VMC) in Port Moresby on Thursday.
He said the systems would be used by other state agencies for maritime surveillance and security.
“These will enable us to identify and monitor vessels, and help to possibly limit illegal activities in the country,” he said.
According to NMSA, the maritime and waterways safety programme covers all the maritime provinces with 15 centres built for the organisation to improve its function and responsibility.
The programme covers tracking and monitoring of vessels, compliance screening, ship search and watch lists which would enable the capability of VMC.
Transport secretary Roy Mumu said Papua New Guinea would monitor maritime safety more effectively and “we will be on track in maritimne safety enforcement”.