Advancing Seychelles’ Port Infrastructure for Efficient Fisheries Management
The Port Management and Development Department consists of two sections. The Port Management and Control Section is responsible for developing and modernising all fishing ports and quays through the adoption of new technologies and practices, to improve and support the growth of the fishing sector. The Facilities Section ensures that the ports and facilities are used optimally and generate the maximum revenue from fishing port activities.
Port Management and control
The Department manages the Providence and the Victoria fishing ports. In 2023, the Port Management and Facilities Department began developing management plans for Providence and Victoria fishing ports, with Phase 1 expected to be completed in 2024. A preliminary meeting was held to start drafting the plan.
The department also started recruiting in-house Port Security Service providers to cut costs from private security companies, though this faced challenges due to insurance issues and a lack of qualified workers.
High operational costs hindered the justification of new programs. The significant gap between revenue and expenses led to increased scrutiny and careful analysis with other departments to justify proposals and address ongoing budgetary issues.
Discrepancies between expenditure and revenue raised concerns about potential fraud, particularly in ice sales. To mitigate these issues, new systems like staff rotation and tighter financial monitoring were introduced.
The department faced challenges in maintaining customer service due to equipment failures and high operational demands, requiring staff to adjust working hours and roles.
Dependence on staff working 5.5 days a week made operations difficult, especially for opening ice plants on time. Medical emergencies and a lack of reserve staff necessitated frequent adjustments to work plans and calling in replacements.
Facilities Management
The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) is set to gradually transfer its mandate for navigational aids management to the Seychelles Maritime Safety Agency (SMSA). This transition aims to ensure that this crucial responsibility is handled by the appropriate agency, underscoring a commitment to enhancing maritime safety and efficiency within the Seychelles. By entrusting SMSA with this mandate, SFA seeks to leverage SMSA’s specialized expertise and resources to more effectively maintain and manage navigational aids, ensuring safe and secure navigation for all maritime activities.
Navigational aids are essential for the safe passage of vessels through Seychelles waters, requiring specialized knowledge and dedicated resources for proper management. As the designated agency, SMSA is equipped to handle this responsibility, ensuring that all navigational aids are maintained and updated according to international standards. This strategic realignment will not only enhance the overall safety of the maritime environment but also allow SFA to focus more on its core mandates, thereby improving operational efficiency for both agencies.