Abu Dhabi Ports is celebrating a decade of innovation, growth and partnership with the hosting of the 10th edition of International Standard for maritime Pilot Organisations (ISPO) conference in the UAE capital this week.

Members of the International User Group (IUG) of the ISPO will convene on October 18 and 19 at the Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi to discuss challenges and best practices facing pilots and pilot organisations locally and around the globe.

The event will bring together high profile dignitaries from the maritime industry including Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports; Captain Willem Bentinck, the chairman of ISPO International User Group and the IUG board from around the world.

The first day will be see pilotage organisations, harbour authorities and port users discuss the ISPO standard and benefits of its certification. It will also feature presentations and discussions tackling the challenges of piloting within Gulf coast countries and risk management.

Speakers on day two will share with the audience interesting findings and reports including results of a satisfaction survey conducted by the Dutch Pilot Organisation, and the accomplishments of ISPO over the past five years.

Capt Al Shamisi said: "Zayed Port and Khalifa Port were the first commercial ports in the Middle East to get ISPO certification in recognition of their high standard marine pilotage services and we are proud to have been selected the host city of the 10th International ISPO conference this year."

"Through hosting this event, we aim to share knowledge and expertise of such a robust industry in which safety and quality are vital elements," he stated.

“The conference is a great platform for pilotage organizations to further improve their standards and upgrade their pilotage services in order to achieve ISPO certification and we look forward to welcoming our guests and supporting the growth of the ISPO community,” he added.

Capt Bentinck said: “It is an honour to experience the great hospitality of our colleagues in Abu Dhabi and I am looking forward to a great event. It is our aim to convince other pilot organizations and stakeholders from all over the world of the importance of this standard.”

The ISPO is a standard of best practices for pilots and pilot organisations in improving safety and quality and providing self-regulation and transparency in pilotage standards to all port related stakeholders.-TradeArabia News Service