More than 100 member states of the International Maritime Organisation initiated measures to fight terrorism at the beginning of July.
Taking part were about 130 Finnish vessels and 60 harbours on Finland’s coasts and inland waterways.
The core areas of Finland’s harbours have been cordoned off more efficiently than before, and access control has been tightened.
Camera surveillance has been increased in harbours, passenger areas, and on ships.
Passenger vessels as well as oil tankers and ships transporting chemicals now have a secret “bank teller’s button”, which sets off an alarm at the Turku Maritime Rescue Centre when it is pressed.
Shipping lines pay closer attention than before to who their passengers are.
In the autumn and winter the Finnish Maritime Administration will visit the various harbours to make sure that the new security measures are implemented according to the security plans approved by the FMA.
The FMA hopes to complete the inspections of the 30 - 40 most important harbours by the end of the year.
Helsingin Sanomat First published in print 21.10.2004
