The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has implemented enhanced security measures today at the port in Tenerife capital, focusing on passenger and luggage inspections for regular inter-island routes. This initiative will gradually extend to encompass all journeys within this sector across all provincial ports.
This measure is a response to the directives established in the Resolution from the Secretary of State for Security within the Ministry of the Interior, relating to the Port Protection Plan, and in accordance with Royal Decree 704/2011, dated 20 May, which ratifies the Regulation for the protection of critical infrastructures. Additionally, it adheres to the stipulations outlined in Royal Decree 1617/2007, dated 7 December, which sets forth measures to enhance the safety of ports and maritime transport.
Today, passengers from Fred. Olsen Lines at the Chicharrero port were the first to experience the implementation of this system, which also includes scanning hand luggage and utilising a security arch specifically installed for this purpose. The procedures mirror those typically found at airports.
This enhancement increases security against potential threats, providing passengers on regular routes with greater reassurance during their sea voyages between our ports.
Today, nearly a hundred inspections were conducted, covering all passengers, luggage, and vehicles embarking on the 10:00 a.m. service to Agaete, employing the aforementioned security resources set up at the maritime terminal to ensure that no passenger accesses the loading area prior to having undergone the necessary checks.
With assistance from the Civil Guard, which oversees this aspect, vehicles in the pre-boarding area are also subject to inspection.
For controls applied to passengers and vehicles using Naviera Armas-Trasmediterránea vessels, these will take place within the shipping company’s premises, where the appropriate resources have been established.
Throughout October, a total of twenty-two random inspections will occur across all ports under the Port Authority’s jurisdiction, commencing today with a comprehensive approach aimed at fulfilling the security requirements stipulated by the Ministry of the Interior and positioning the province’s ports as safe infrastructures that meet current standards and regulations.
Success in this initiative relies heavily on strong collaboration between the Port Police at each facility and the Civil Guard present in the various ports, alongside the private security firms whose staff, skilled in radiology, manage the security equipment.
This effort is continuously coordinated with shipping companies to ensure processes are executed efficiently and seamlessly, thereby avoiding delays in ship departure times due to these inspections.
