Page 27 - Port of Kokkola Handbook & Directory

HARBOuR MASTERcommercial vessels are permitted to enter and leave the port of Kokkola.Captain Carita Rönnqvist, Harbour Master, Port of KokkolaThe Harbour Master is responsible for safety of navigation at the port. Port of Kokkola is no exception thanks to the experience and skills of Captain Rönnqvist whose brief is to also check the security of the harbour and ensure that all port facilities work well.once a year, according to International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code regulations which call for minimum security arrangements for ships and ports. Having come into force in 2004, it prescribes responsibilities to shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to ‘detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.’decision-making regarding the manner and circumstances in whichShe is a member of the council of the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and a member of the Dry Bulk Terminals Group (DBTG). She is also the chairman of the Security committee of the Finnish Ports Association. lGeographical configurations of the port, prevailing weather conditions, port water depths, the height and strength of local tides are some of the factors that must be taken into consideration while formulating an admission policy for commercial vessels entering or leaving port.Also on Captain Rönnqvist’s table is the management of dangerous goods handling, issues concerning the marine environment, oil spill prevention, ballast and hold wash water issues, marine communications and law and regulations within the business.Captain Rönnqvist graduated as Master Mariner from the Marine Institute of Turku in 1998. From 1980-2004 she was employed in various positions at sea on all kinds of merchant ships for over 20 years, mostly as deck officer.Like other Harbour Masters across the world, Captain Rönnqvist uses “local knowledge” to inform her25HANDBOOK & DIRECTORY PORT OF KOKKOLA