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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Kiribati Ports Authority is a statutory body established in 2000 under KPA Act 1990 and operates under the direction of Board Directors appointed by the Minister of Communication, Transport and Tourism. Wholly owned by the Government, it currently employs 158 employees.

KPA operates the two main Ports of entry firstly on Tarawa right at the edge of Betio lagoon which also accommodates the main head quarter office. The second port-of-entry is located at Ronton on Christmas Island to serve the Line and Phoenix Islands.

Under its Act, KPA is committed to provide the followings services and activities:

- to regulate and control navigation within ports
- to promote the use, improvement and development of ports facilities and services.
- to acquire such land and execute such works or do such acts and things as may be necessary in respect of the functions of the Authority.
- to monitor and control overseas cargoes that are under its custody.
- releasing cargoes through proper procedures and documents.
- to detain any vessels that are not in compliance with the ISPS control and regulation.

Nature and Scope of Operations

The main role of the Kiribati Ports Authority is to facilitate the safe passage of cargo (and sometimes people) from overseas vessels through the port and at the same time, facilitate border control and statutory processing. This applies to the 2 ports-of-entry which are Betio, Tarawa for the Gilberts group and Ronton, Kiritimati for the Line and Phoenix Group.
In order to perform this function effectively, KPA is also responsible as the Harbor-master for the safe and efficient functioning of Shipping and Port navigation facilities, Berthing, and the use of shore-based facilities as outlined below:

Logistics and Trade

- Promotion and facilitation of a commercial environment in ports operations
- Logistics planning
- Safe custody of cargoes passing through the port
- Releasing cargoes through proper procedures and documents.
- Port promotion and marketing

- Advice on Dangerous Goods procedures

Berth Services

- Pilotage of vessels
- Advice on berthing requirements, i.e pilots, tugs, line handling
- Berth allocations
- Passenger terminals
- Port security
- Mooring buoys
- Fenders
- Promote the use, improvement and development of ports facilities and services
- Acquiring such land and execute such works or do such acts and things as may be necessary in respect of the functions of the Authority.

Shipping and Port Navigation, Safety and Environment

- Harbour Master
- Regulate and control navigation within ports
- Detain any vessels that is not in compliance with the ISPS control and regulation.
- Safe transfer of bulk liquids and Dangerous Goods
- Management and protection of the port environment
- Removing of ship wrecks from docks and lagoon
- Pollution control – e.g. Imposing fee for pollution.
- Surveys of vessels, shipping channels, and navigation aids
- Ports communications and harbour control
- Vessel traffic management
- Security patrols