The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) was created by the International Maritime Organization following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Specialists in international maritime law, and particularly the United States, wished to optimize the protection of ships and ports against acts of terrorism or hostility. Applicable since July 1, 2004, in ports around the world, the code is intended for the following types of boats that undertake international voyages: passenger boats, including high-speed boats that carry passengers; cargo boats, including high-speed ones, with a net tonnage equal or superior to 500 tons, as well as floating oil rigs. All ports providing services to these types of vessels are also placed under the regulations of the ISPS code.
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) is a federation of 230 ports in 90 countries. The association estimates that 90% of its members come under these new rules for safety and security. Among the 206 ports, located in over 45 different countries, that meet the requirements, there are seven in the United States, 19 in Iran (mostly where there are oil tankers) 12 in Japan, six in China and 20 in the Philippines. In Europe, The United Kingdom tops the list with 22 ports that confirm to the regulations, with another nine in Spain, and four in France (Le Havre, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nantes). As for Germany, Denmark and Belgium, each of these countries has one port that meets the requirements (Hamburg, Aarhus and Anvers). According to the International Maritime Organization, the security requirements for ports are 30 years behind those put into place at airports. Yet the enforcement in ports is difficult to put into place in just a few months, especially in ports the size of that in Saint-Barth.
A “plan for safety and security concerning the port facilities in Saint-Barth” has been created following and audit led by a company that specializes in such things. It recommends that ISPS standards be put into effect for the commercial dock in Public as well as the passenger terminal in Gustavia. Two members of the port staff have already completed a special one-week training course. The municipality has officially named Bruno Greaux and Ernest Brin as “security agents for the port facilities of Saint-Barth,” responsible by law for said security.
To conform to this new code, the commercial dock should be fenced in. Ten security cameras were installed over the summer, and a system that filters those who enter should also be put in place. The days when you could stand on the edge of the commercial dock and fish while watching the cargo ships unload are gone forever. As for the passenger terminal, the confidential security plan calls for a system like that at the airport, where arriving passengers cannot mix with those who are departing. If the ferries that transport passengers from one French port to another (between Saint-Barth and Saint-Martin for example) with less than 20 nautical miles from coast to coast, are not as yet under the new laws, they will be in one or two years. That is also the case for the mega-yachts that come frequently to Saint-Barth. The majority of the 250 boats, sailboats and motorboats that celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in the port of Gustavia, are concerned. Many have already done necessary improvements, such as the installation of extra security cameras at the dock level.
The plan for the safety and security of the port facilities has been presented to the municipality, as they govern the port, as well as to the two security agents on the port staff. All are giving much thought as to the best way to put the new regulations into effect as fast as possible, considering the need for additional financial investment by the municipality in terms of both technology and manpower.
Beyonce and Jay-Z have taken their daughter on her first vacation. The couple, who celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last week, have been enjoying the sunshine on the Caribbean island of St. Barts with three-month-old Blue Ivy over the weekend, and took the tot for a day trip on a yacht.
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Kick-off Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2012 Caribbean regatta in the magical French West Indies sailing paradise!
Today the prestigious and top-class Caribbean sailing regatta Les Voiles de St. Barth 2012 with Gaastra Sportswear as the official partner starts: At the third edition run...
Inside the Bucket.
This video features the 2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta and music by the Evan Goodrow Band. Special thanks to the entire crew of the Rebecca, Baz Bar, St Barths Online and the guys from the Evan Goodrow Band for putting on a fantastic show. The song from the Evan Goodrow Band is c...
On board with Rebecca.
The best event in St Barths took place on March 24 - 27, 2012. This video features the beautiful 141 ft sailing yacht, The Rebecca.
produced by Real Media Travel for St. Barths Online and Baz Bar St Barth.
The age old saying of "I need a holiday to get over my holiday" actually seems applicable if you happen to be Paul McCartney.
The Beatle took wife Nancy Shevell on a romantic break to the Caribbean island of St Barts, just days after the pair visited Paris.
Last week, the lovebirds showed support ...
On the day their pregnancy news was announced, Thor star Chris Hemsworth, 28, and Elsa Pataky, 35, were seen in sunny St. Barts, France on Wednesday (January 18). The Fast Five actress looked lovely in blue, sporting her beautiful baby bump.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky
Chris and Elsa - w...
She might be 44, but Tamara Mellon still boasts a figure that women half her age would be proud of.
The Jimmy Choo co-founder showed off her toned figure in a sexy animal-print bikini as she hit the beach with her daughter in St Barts yesterday.
The skimpy string two-piece highlighted Tamara's env...
With almost every other celebrity couple enjoying the New Year in exotic locations, Gary and Danielle Lineker weren't going to be any different.
The married couple were spotted enjoying a romantic walk along a beach in St Barts today - and looked very much in love.
Gary, 51 and his wife, 32, had o...
Which beaches to choose?
The glamorous island of St Barts is one of the Caribbean's top beach destinations. Ringing the island are immaculate strips of sand and ethereal turquoise waters. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help to protect these renowned beaches, and they also provide excell...
St. Barts, Why Not?
Since the wealthy and celebrated frequently visit St. Barts for a tropical vacation, you will find that many plush St. Barts Resorts can be found on this stunning island. For those taking St. Barts holidays, it is simple to find hotels with each luxury available. Frequently thes...
Vacation With the Rich and Famous at St. Barts.
Want to bump into celebrities and be seen hanging out where the rich and famous play? Then the Caribbean island of St. Barts is the place to be.
While warm sand and blue waters do make an ideal vacation location, this destination has that and a whol...
Where to go for one day in Caribbean?
St. Maarten / St. Martin
The half-Dutch, half-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, with its many restaurants and hotels, makes a great base for an island-hopping adventure. Graced by the nickname Unspoiled Queen, tiny little Saba is not the kind of Caribbe...
Villa La Plage in St Barts.
The posh French resort isle of St. Barth's was already a prize destination when Roman Abramovich purchased an estate there for $89 million in 2009; since the oligarch arrived it has become even more so.
Now Christie's International Real Estate has listed another impres...
Baywatch in St Barts.
Making it official after five years of engagement, Brooke Burke and beau David Charvet have reportedly tied the knot while yachting in St. Barts.
According to Life & Style, the "Dancing with the Stars" host and the former "Baywatch" hunk, who have been vacationing in the...
St. Barth Summer Sessions Aug. 5-15, 2011
St Barth Summer Sessions 2011 this year will have a focus on artists from Brazil. The festival will take place at a variety of different venues all over the island, and in the end of the festival there will be a big common concert in the Harbor of Gustavia ...
The Eclipse, no ordinary yacht.
It probably hasn't escaped your attention that, with modern methods of transport, measuring and telecommunication, no "terra incognita" is safe from the crazed enthusiasm of certain explorers of scientists. Everything has already been discovered and minutely placed o...
Ashley Rodriguez Trio
Ashley Rodriguez, one of the famous finalist from the American Idol 2010 is back in St Barth between May 5-15. Ashley was participating last summer for the St Barth Summer Session in august 2010 at La Plage and she will now come with her 'All Girls Band', Liz on the guitar ...
The La Plage restaurant introduce :
ST BARTH SUMMER SESSIONS
« 5 to 15 august 2010, 10 days of crazy music ! »
Festival program
La Plage St Jean Tel: 0590 52 81 33 Email: tombeach@wanadoo.fr Site: www.stbarthsummersessions.com
THE GREAT FISH DEBATE There seems to be a bone of contention among a few of my friends. Fine folks who love some of the finer things in life, such as Dover Sole That flat fish floating in butter and capers. Known in French as Sole Meunière, it is made from what is called in European fisherman ver...
