Coastguards from the United States charged with a congressional mandate to assess ports and look at the global supply chain for dangers and risks, are visiting Rarotonga to conduct assessments at the port of Avatiu.

The Coastguards will look at the perimeter and access control, things moving in and out, personnel, the processes and security that’s in place to basically keep both countries safe.

Representing the Government of the United States, Michael Tappan the U.S. International Port Security Liason Officer expressed they are looking to sure up some of the previous challenges at the port, “a lot of the suggestions that were made have been implemented, security access issues have been done.”

Earlier this year in March, Tappan with Maritime New Zealand ran a capacity building workshops with Ports Authority, Aviation, Ministry of Transport and Stevedores with initial training in regards to personnel searches and access control.

The U.S. team follow the standards under the international maritime organisations International Ship Imports Security Code (ISPS), to get all the global maritime transportation system under that those guidelines

Primarily work with Maritime New Zealand, the U.S. Coast Guards started working with the Cook Islands visiting and exchanging ideas, over 10 years ago.

Natasha Hallett, Maritime New Zealand's Senior Maritime Security Advisor is working to assist the Ministry of Transport and Ports Authority to assist with capacity building and ports inspections and assessments.

It’s been a good relationship, more CCTV cameras will also be installed at the port, said Hallett.

Ports Harbour Master John Jessie led the inspection around Avatiu port, issues such as blind spots for CCTV and lighting were noted.

United States Coast Guards - Scott Troutman, Matt Lavin and Clark W. Sanford make up the rest of the visiting, with Alice Mitchell from Transport accompanying the tour inspection yesterday.