Table 2.

Key suggestions derived from three assessments undertaken in the Port of Kaohsiung

Port of Kaohsing (PoK)
The self-assessment (March 2011)	Develop an inspector training program to fulfill the knowledge/skill gaps. Complete emergency response protocol, involving the decontamination planning. Replenish equipment for detection and personal protection.
The preliminary external assessment (August 2011)	In addition to notifying upper-level authorities, it is necessary to make provisions for sharing information among competent authorities at other PoEs. All authorities shall be familiarized about the agreed response protocol to handle the information according to the level of confidentiality, reliability, and indicated action determined. As construction of a new travel center is currently being planned, it will be a good opportunity to consider inclusion of capacities that make it an ideal Healthy and Safe PoE.
The follow-up external assessment (March 2013)	Development of training courses to address risks from recreational swimming and spa areas on ships, and constituting systems for detection, assessment, and application of recommended measures. As a new PoK travel center is underway, the new facility is expected to increase passenger numbers exponentially. It was suggested that a strategic workforce planning should be undertaken in anticipation of the PoK's expansion to ensure adequate staff to implement and strengthen the IHR core capacities.