Tanzania and the International Boatmen’s-Linesmen’s Association (IBLA) have concluded a four-day technical engagement aimed at strengthening maritime safety, improving mooring operations and enhancing professional standards in the country’s ports.
The engagement, which brought together the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), IBLA and other maritime stakeholders, ended on November 15, 2026, following discussions and practical visits focusing on safer and more efficient ship mooring operations.
Led by IBLA President, Mr Marco Mandirola, the delegation undertook field visits to the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), providing an opportunity to assess maritime training programmes and observe actual port mooring operations.
At DMI, the delegation toured maritime training facilities and explored programmes aimed at equipping industry professionals with the technical knowledge and practical skills required in the maritime sector.
At TEAGTL, members observed ship mooring operations, gaining firsthand insights into operational procedures, safety measures, equipment and coordination between ship crews and shore-based mooring teams.
The visits marked the culmination of the engagement, which commenced on November 12, 2026, at TASAC Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where participants exchanged expertise on mooring operations, accident prevention, operational hazards, equipment safety, and personnel training and certification.
Welcoming the delegation at the opening session on behalf of the TASAC Director General, Mr Nahson Sigalla said the engagement provided an important platform for sharing expertise and identifying practical interventions to improve mooring safety.
He emphasised that safe mooring operations depend on trained personnel, appropriate equipment, clear communication and effective teamwork between ship crews and shore-based teams.
Mr Sigalla called for stronger collaboration between TASAC, IBLA and local maritime institutions to identify areas requiring improvement, enhance professional competencies and develop recommendations for strengthening safety and operational efficiency in Tanzania’s ports.
On his part, Mr Mandirola said IBLA was committed to supporting improvements in Tanzania’s mooring operations through technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The programme also featured presentations on IBLA’s mandate and Tanzania’s maritime safety regulatory framework, alongside discussions on operational challenges, safety requirements and opportunities for specialised training and knowledge transfer.
The conclusion of the engagement has reaffirmed the commitment of TASAC and IBLA to continued technical cooperation and capacity building, with the collaboration expected to contribute to improved safety standards, operational efficiency and professional competence across Tanzania’s maritime industry.