Fireman crew leaders training at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan
Within the framework of the WeCAPS project, the first training sessions for firefighters at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan (PAA) were held in May and June 2021. These sessions were provided for 40 firemen who had previously received training from the military fire department group of Côte d’Ivoire (GSPM).
The trainings adopted a wide array of methodologies, including classroom presentations, discussions and practical exercises or sessions with simulations on the use of advance firefighting equipment. The aim of the courses was to provide trainees with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding required to lead a fire team in an emergency fire or rescue situation within the port.
More WeCAPS training courses are planned at the port of Abidjan for 2020, including Chief of Unit, Chief of Guard, Specialised Nautical Team and Crisis Management sessions.
Ports needs assessments The WeCAPS team travelled to Douala to undertake a needs assement of partner ports in Cameroon. The assessment focused on the areas of security, safety, public-private partnership (PPP) and governance, assessing issues which still to be addressed in these areas. In addition to internal discussions with Cameroonian partners, the team handed over the findings of this analysis to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, including recommendations based on the work undertaken until now. Beyond its benefits for Cameroon, the project will contribute to strengthening the security and safety of the Tema and Takoradi ports in Ghana.
Port security training for gendarmes and Basic port security boat pilot training in Dakar: organised by the High Command of the Gendarmerie Nationale, in partnership with WeCAPS, these trainings aimed to provide participants with the necessary regulatory and technical knowledge to carry out security checks on ships calling at the Port Autonome de Dakar, Senegal. The training further aimed to empower port officials with a theoretical and practical nautical qualification (coastal and river) necessary for the piloting and maintenance of maritime gendarmerie boats.
Recruitment of the new expert in crisis management – Deputy key expert in civil protection and maritime safety: Fabrice Tollari served for more than 22 years in an operational unit within the Paris Fire Brigade. The second part of his career was oriented towards crisis management within the French crisis centres of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fabrice joined the WeCAPS project in April 2021. His expertise allows him to support the project in the evaluation and implementation of crisis management systems, and the training of decision makers and dedicated teams. Through his role Fabrice also assists the key expert in civil protection and maritime security, by supporting the planning and implementation of security actions for port authorities.
Exhibitions and conferences: IAPH World Ports Conference 2021 is a world-class virtual event assessing the indispensable role of ports in global maritime trade. The conference brings together key industry stakeholders for learning, information sharing, networking, and collaboration. Team leader, Nico Vertongen, attended the session “Strengthening Port Security in West and Central Africa” and presented the WeCAPS project. The conference was held from 21-25 June.
ShieldAfrica International Security and Defense exhibition allows an array of participants to compare their experiences and share their expertise related to emerging challenges in and around growing African cities. The discussion-based exhibition allows exhibitors to discuss potential solutions to novel challenges. The event presented an opportunity for the project’s security and crisis management experts to present their work at the exhibition, as well as to network with security & defense decision-makers of the African continent (both public and private sector). The exhibition took place from 8-10 June.