KARACHI: When IMO Audit team asked focal person at Port Qasim Authority (PQA) to give replies to different questions relating to port reception facilities, he could not reply properly. Reply or presentation on port reception facilities to IMO auditors is to be given by focal person, not by agents.

Audit was of opinion that focal persons were not properly conversant with port reception facilities being provided by agents on ports. It is feared that it will prove to be serious bottleneck during course of upcoming IMSAS audit.

It was also found that it was in 2019 that PQA reviewed its performance for last time. There was no evidence that they reviewed their performance during 2020 and 2021.  Audit team observed from minutes of various meetings held for presentation of IMSAS audit that PQA and GPA were requested to improve their port reception facilities. However, it was found that documented quantifiable targets were not identified for improvement in this regard. During audit it was also found that PQA has outsourced its port reception facilities.

Therefore, it has been recommended by IMO audit team that port reception facilities need to be assessed in light of referred circular of DG, P&S i.e., “Standard Operation Procedure for Port Assessment Facility”. Audit was of view that port reception facilities need to be assessed in quantifiable terms in light of SOPs circulated by DG, P&S for assessment of port reception facilities. Deficiencies and non-conformities should be identified and enlisted first and then improvement be made where needed as list of non-conformities so identified.

Focal persons need to sit with agents and prepare themselves by asking from them all relevant information on port reception facilities so that they can answer appropriately on all queries which will be asked by IMO auditors. Port managements need to review their respective performance on yearly basis, audit team recommended.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 19 2024

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