SHIP AND SHORE SECURITY

The ISPS CODE

Brief Overview

The ISPS Code is the latest addendum to SOLAS.  Simply stated it is the international security code for ship and port activities.  The Code is law and will go in to full effect on July 1, 2004.  While many people are aware of it many are not and fewer still understand how it will affect each ship and port later this year.  This is a brief overview of this important CODE.  We strongly suggest that each of you involved with ship and / or port activities in anyway get a copy of this CODE and read its ramifications.  We also recommend that all ship / shore security plans be reviewed ASAP.  In US ports, the MTSA (Marine Transportation Security Act -the domestic equivalent of ISPS) will apply.

The full title of ISPS Code is the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code and SOLAS Amendments 2002.

Objectives:

 - to establish an international framework involving co-operation between Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade;

- to establish the respective roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries, at the national and international level, for ensuring maritime security;

- to ensure the early and efficient collection and exchange of security-related information;

- to provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and procedures to react to changing security levels; and

- to ensure confidence that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place.

Application

This Code applies to:

- passenger ships

- cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards (including tankers) 

- mobile offshore drilling units

- port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages

Responsibilities (General)

Contracting Governments:

Shall set security levels and provide guidance for protection from security incidents. 

Shipowner / Ship:

-          Owner shall conduct a security assessment audit for the company and for each ship. 

-          Comprehensive approved security plans must be developed for company and each ship. 

-          Owner shall ensure that the ship security plan contains a clear statement emphasizing master’s authority.

-          Ship must have security assessment approved by the owner and the company security officer. 

-          Ship must carry on board a ship security plan approved by the Administration and contain elements as detailed in the Code.

-          The owner shall designate a company security officer and a ship security officer on each ship  to assure the security plan is followed. 

Port and Port Facility

-          Port Authority shall assign port security officer and authority.

-          Port Authority shall conduct a port security assessment.

-          Port Authority shall develop a port security plan based on assessment.

-          Port Authority must set security levels at 1, 2, or 3 per the Code.

-          Port Facility (terminal) shall assign a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).

-          PFSO shall conduct a security assessment audit based on 21 points listed in the Code.

-          Port Facility shall develop a security plan based on audit.

-          Plan should:

o       Detail security Organization

o       Detail links with relevant authorities

o       Details basic security levels 1, 2 and 3

o       Provide regular review of PFSP

o       Detail reporting procedures to Government

o       Address 14 other items including, cargo, ship access, stores personnel IDs, crew, terminal access etc.

-          Training:

o       PFSO shall require training in 20 specific area and 10 ancillary areas as listed in Code

o       Facility must conduct appropriate training exercises

o       Port personnel with security duties must also be trained.       

-          Documentation

o       Various documents of security required for ship and shore

Implementation Date

All programs and plans must be in place July 1, 2004.

Enercon Comment

While it might not be truly necessary for all ports to be online with this program on the effective date, ships may limit their port calls to only those ports that have a fully implemented plan.

Watch this page for more details on this Code.

Required ISPS Training

2007 -  ISPS Training Program - Bonaire

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