THE Togolese government has set up a vessel
identification station called "TOGO NAVY" at the military naval base
in Lome to be responsible for identifying all ships navigating in its west
African coastal waters.
The navy has four patrol boats and an air force helicopter
to patrol pirate-infested coastal areas, providing 24/7 protection in
designated safe anchorages, according to GAC Hot Port News.
Under the new arrangement, all vessels must contact the
"TOGO NAVY" identification station on a designated VHF channel prior
to entering the territorial waters. In cases where the vessel has armed
protection, the notification should be made 48 hours in advance and all arms
and weaponry should be disarmed prior to entry into territorial waters.
Among other things, all vessels within Togolese waters
must ensure permanent radiotelephonic monitoring (VHF) to inform the navy of
any incident or accident which may compromise safety or lead to pollution.
The government says it prefers all vessels to anchor in
the berthing zone or waiting zone where supervision and patrols are undertaken
permanently. Furthermore all vessels, shipping companies, can request special
protection through their local shipping agencies.
Source : HKSG.
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