The Port of Bonaire held its annual security exercise together with Carnival Cruise Line, within the framework of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and our island’s security procedures. The exercise took place as a joint tabletop simulation, involving representatives onboard the Carnival Horizon, relevant authorities in Bonaire, and the Fleet Operations Center in Miami. The objective of the exercise was to test how our port, the ship, local authorities, and emergency services work together in the event of a security incident.
Collaboration and Procedures Tested
During the exercise, various components of the Port of Bonaire’s security plan were tested. This included evaluating the plan and testing the procedures for raising the operational security level when required by a situation. Communication and collaboration between the ship and shore-based authorities were also tested. In addition, a hypothetical passenger evacuation was part of the exercise, allowing teams to test procedures under pressure.
An important part of the exercise focused on collaboration among the various agencies and emergency services in Bonaire, including the police, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar), the hospital, and the fire department. During the exercise, they examined how different organizations exchange information, divide tasks, and work together during an incident.
Participants also trained on how to lower the operational security level once the situation is under control. Furthermore, attention was dedicated to prevention and measures that can help reduce the risk of similar security incidents.
Annual Requirement
Based on current security regulations, our port is obligated to regularly execute these types of exercises. An exercise must be held at least once a year, and the period between two exercises may not exceed 18 months. Through these exercises, the Port of Bonaire continues to strengthen its readiness for potential security incidents and improve collaboration among all involved parties.
The Harbor Master stated: “This exercise helps us to further strengthen the security of the Port of Bonaire and improve our preparedness for potential security incidents.”