Cablegate: Update On Turkish Implementation of Isps Port

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

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

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