Port Development And Security And Vessel Traffic Systems: Iran’s Present And Future Plans

Iran’s (Islamic Republic of Iran) coastline abuts the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the northern waters of the Arabian Sea and fronts the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. Dotted along the coastline are some 42 recognised commercial ports, loading facilities and terminals. An examination of the port facilities as registered with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) reveals a mere 50 per cent are recorded as being ISPS-compliant. Such a figure begs the question of security concerns within the remaining ports In Iran. The implementation of Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS) and the availability of electronic charting systems for these ports and their approaches are analysed in an attempt to assess the overall safety and security for marine transportation. A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) for the Straits of Hormuz has been in force for many decades. In traversing the Strait, ships pass through the territorial waters of Iran and Oman under the transit passage regime in accordance with the provisions contained in Part III of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982. Although not all countries have ratified the 1982 Convention, most countries, including the United States accept these customary navigation rules as codified in the Convention. This paper examines various concerns in the context of international law and rules and regulations of numerous conventions designed to ensure safety at sea and security in ports. Iran as a signatory to the many international conventions is now implementing the proposals. There are challenges and benefits and these come at a cost to the nation. The economy of the nation is dependent, but not solely, on the efficient operations of the ports and the ships that they service. Ensuring the safety of navigation is a collective priority of the administrators and Government and commercial agencies.