DARWIN Port has achieved its International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations (ISPO) certification for its commitment to safety and quality management systems.

ISPO is a standard of best practice for pilots and pilot organisations. It focuses on improving safety and quality.

The international accreditation is verified by Lloyds Register. A certificate is only awarded once strict safety guidelines have been met.

 Darwin Port the 30th pilot organisation to receive the accreditation.

Darwin Port general manager operations Captain Ian Niblock said, “we were confident that our pilot service was operating at international best practice standard, and to have this confirmed by such a prestigious organisation verifies this and assures our customers of the high safety and quality pilot service we offer.”

Darwin Port CEO Darren Lambourn said the certification endorses the port’s commitment to safety and continued focus to deliver an international standard of service to its customers.

“Achieving this international standard recognises Darwin Port as a safe gateway for developing and expanding industry in northern Australia,” he said.

“As we expand our workforce and train new pilots they will benefit from training under this certification.”

Regional harbour master Captain Anil Chadha said the accreditation confirms Darwin Port’s commitment to safety and quality.

“We’re pleased to see Darwin Port Pilots have achieved their ISPO certification,” he said.

“International accreditation ensures we are all working together to international best practice standard to make the Port a safer place to operate.”

Darwin Port also recently received renewal of its environmental certification.