To be held in Abu Dhabi from 18-19 October at the Rosewood Hotel

Abu Dhabi, UAE, October 15, 2016:  Abu Dhabi Ports is gearing up to host the 10th International ISPO Conference on October 18 and 19, 2016 at the Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Members of the International User Group (IUG) of the International Standard for maritime Pilot Organisations (ISPO) will convene for two days to discuss challenges and best practices facing pilots and pilot organisations locally and around the globe.

The two-day conference brings together high profile dignitaries from the maritime industry including Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports; Capt. Willem Bentinck, Chairman of ISPO International User Group; and the IUG board from around the World.

The first day will be dedicated to raising public awareness where pilotage organisations, harbour authorities and port users are invited to attend to gain a better insight into the ISPO standard and to what it means to be certified. 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. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, commented: “Zayed Port and Khalifa Port were the first commercial ports in the Middle East to achieve 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.”

“The ISPO 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. Willem Bentinck, Chairman of ISPO International User Group, 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 organizations, improving safety and quality. Providing self-regulation and transparency in pilotage standards to all port related stakeholders.