THE Papua New Guinea Customs Service (PNGCS) and the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) formalized a strategic partnership on Friday, 9 October aimed at strengthening maritime governance, border security, customs enforcement, and information sharing across Papua New Guinea’s maritime domain through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU sets a framework for cooperation between the two agencies, allowing for the timely exchange of information and intelligence, coordinated inspections and enforcement activities, and joint initiatives to improve the implementation and enforcement of customs and maritime safety laws throughout the country.
Under the agreement, both agencies will work closely to address emerging challenges in the maritime sector, including combating illicit activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, ams trafficking, and other transnational crimes that threaten national security and economic prosperity.
Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe said this partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening border security and improving collaboration with key government agencies.
“The maritime domain is significant. We have porous borders and for customs it is a huge task. Therefore, this partnership will strengthen enforcement along the maritime borders and combat illegal activities including transnational crimes that occur in our maritime domain,” Mr, Towe said.
National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) Chief Executive Officer Pawa Limu, said this MoU brought Customs and NMSA together through sharing of information and resources.
Mr. Pawa welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step towards strengthening maritime safety and regulatory compliance across Papua New Guinea.
The MoU outlines a range of collaborative measures, including:
●Sharing information on vessel registrations, ship owners, operators and agents
●Exchanging intelligence relating to vessels of interest, maritime crimes, and suspicious activities.
● Conducting joint boarding operations and inspections where appropriate.
●Supporting investigations involving undeclared cargo, dangerous goods, and customs-related offences.
● Collaborating on vessel safety inspections, enforcement activities, and operational responses Delivering joint training programs, workshops, legislative reviews, and awarcness activities for officers of both agencies.
Through the agreement, PNG Customs and NMSA will also enhance cooperation in the implementation of international maritime and customs standards, including obligations arising under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).