Imagine a massive cruise ship filled with international tourists slowly docking at port. How can authorities efficiently process passenger arrivals while maintaining security? The World Customs Organization (WCO) is working to solve this challenge through its Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG), which recently held its third meeting to advance global maritime passenger data standards.
Key Meeting Highlights
The virtual meeting, held April 20-21, 2022, was chaired by Paul Campbell of New Zealand with co-chair Dr. Mariam Ali Alhashmi of the United Arab Emirates. Over 150 representatives participated, including observers from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and World Health Organization (WHO).
WCO's Pranab Kumar Das, Director of Compliance and Facilitation, emphasized in his opening remarks that customs agencies play a crucial dual role: facilitating efficient passenger movement while maintaining security. He highlighted the importance of developing global maritime passenger data standards to support the cruise industry's recovery.
Developing Global Standards
The meeting focused on three key initiatives:
1. Global Maritime Passenger Data Standards: Establishing uniform data formats and transmission protocols to improve security screening and streamline passenger processing. Currently, inconsistent data systems between countries create operational inefficiencies.
2. Cruise Industry Best Practices Compendium: A comprehensive guide compiling global case studies on passenger processing, risk assessment, information collection, and security procedures.
3. International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between customs agencies, cruise operators, and international organizations to address post-pandemic travel challenges.
Challenges and Next Steps
Participants discussed including day-trip passenger information in the global data standards while considering compliance costs for cruise operators. They also examined potential guidelines for maritime Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, emphasizing the need to incorporate IMO and industry perspectives.
WCO members agreed to provide feedback on the draft Best Practices Compendium by May 18, 2022, through the CLiKC! platform. Further discussions will continue through intersessional meetings of the Global Data Standards Mini-Group.
The Road Ahead
The cruise industry faces significant challenges in balancing security, environmental concerns, and pandemic recovery. WCO's initiatives aim to create standardized systems that support both efficient passenger processing and robust security measures.
Future efforts will focus on refining data standards, promoting best practices, enhancing member capabilities through training, and strengthening international cooperation. These measures are designed to support the safe revival of global cruise operations while maintaining border security.