Ascension : Public Notice
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 01.07.2004 (Article Archived on 15.07.2004)

Members of the Public are hereby advised that with effect from 1st July 2004, the Ascension Island Government will be operating the Port of Georgetown in accordance with the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).

Members of the Public are hereby advised that with effect from 1^st July 2004, the Ascension Island Government will be operating the Port of Georgetown in accordance with the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). This Code, which is being implemented across the world, is designed to reduce the risk to ships and people using the port.

Under the Code a manned checkpoint and temporary security fencing will be introduced at the point of entry to the port. Information Notices will be in place when certain ships are in port (including the RMS St Helena) and we ask that members of the public read the notices and abide by any directions given by the Port Security Officers.

This will mean that only authorised persons will be allowed within the port area when ships are in port. Workers, passengers and authorised visitors must have a photo ID and people and vehicles may be subject to search.  Visitors and workers and any other authorised persons will be required to sign a security log when entering and leaving the Port area. 

In relation to passengers who have to join the RMS at Ascension in the short term we will continue to use the current Terminal. Friends and relatives will be allowed in this area.  However, once passengers go through the checkpoint they will be in a secure area within the Port facility and they will not be allowed to return to the terminal.

All passengers joining the RMS St Helena on Ascension are advised that with effect from 3rd July 2004, they will be required to have a photo-identification card or passport.  This new requirement is also part of the security measures that the RMS has to implement under the ISPS Code. 

It is recognised that there will be a number of people who live on Ascension who may not have a Passport.  If you do not have a passport and intend travelling on 3^rd July 2004 you are advised to contact the Shipping Agent on telephone 6244 as soon as possible so that special arrangements will be made for you to board the vessel. 

Passengers who live here and who intend to travel on the RMS in the future are advised to apply for a passport as soon as possible as in time no passengers will be allowed to board without recognised photo-identification.

If you have any concerns about these new arrangements please do not hesitate to contact me on telephone 6119 or Mrs Kitty George, Shipping Agent on telephone number 6244.

Lawson Henry

Port Authority/Commercial Manager

Ascension Island Government

Port of Georgetown

Ascension Island

18   June 2004