International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)

• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was established in 2002.
• The ISPS Code is a set of special measures designed to enhance maritime security in response to terrorism.
• The 9/11 terror attack in 2001 in the USA led to the ISPS code development.
• The code is included in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2.
• ISPS is a maritime regulation for the safety of ships, ports, cargo, and crew.
• The ISPS implements an amendment to the SOLAS convention by the IMO.
• ISPS regulates and controls the security and safety of crew, ships, ports, and cargo in international waters.
• The ISPS Code came into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004, forming the basis for security in international shipping.
• Responsibilities are prescribed to governments, shipping companies, personnel, and port facilities to detect security threats.
• Preventive measures are in place against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities.
• The ISPS code applies to cargo ships of 500 GT and above, passenger ships regardless of size, engaged on international voyages.
• The code also applies to port facilities serving such ships.

Ship Security Plan (SSP)

• SSP has security-related instructions for the ship's crew.
• Should be kept in a locker, and otherwise could lead to non-conformity during an ISPS audit.
• Only Company security officer and person conducting security audit can have access.
• The ISPS code part A/9.4 gives the minimum points that must be included in the Ship Security Plan (SSP).
• Measures to prevent weapons and dangerous substances onboard.
• Defined procedures in case of security threats.
• Scheduled security drills and exercises.
• Maintained security equipment onboard.
• Contact details for ship and company security officers.
• Measures to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
• Outlined security duties of shipboard personnel.
• Procedures for proper reporting of security incidents.
• Details of SSAS location and testing/operating procedures.
• Procedure for review and updating of SSP.

Ship Security Assessment

• The Ship security assessment is the first step towards developing a security plan.
• Identifies all access points of the ship and possible ways it can be attacked.
• An assessment helps answer the questions:
• Is there any motive to attack the ship?
• Which are the key areas that are prone to security incident?
• Are there any existing security security measures?
• What are ways the ship can be attacked?
• What is the likelihood and consequences of such an attack?

Ship Security Officer (SSO)

• An SSO is required to be appointed by the company.
• The SSO must have security training as per STCW.
• Duties include implementing all elements of ship security plan.
• The SSO must liaise with the company security officer and port facility security officer (PFSO).

Company Security Officer (CSO)

• The company must appoint a company security officer.
• Main duties include carrying out ship security assessment.
• The CSO must develop a ship security plan and submit it for approval.
• Ensure efficient implementation of SSP on board.
• Sharing regular security information to the SSO and ship.

Security Levels

• There are three security levels.
• Security level 1: Normal operation
• Security level 2: Heightened risk of a security incident.
• Security level 3: Probable or imminent risk of a security incident.
• Flag state sets security level for when ship at sea, but may instruct the CSO.
• CSO forwards a message from the flag state to ships to change the security level.
• The SSO needs to acknowledge and confirm the security level to CSO when the security level is changed.
• Vessel needs to have the same security level as the port.

Declaration of Security

• The declaration of security is security related between two parties, one of the party can be another ship

Security Drills and Exercises

• A security drill planner is devised to cover all the security situations.
• Drills include bomb threats, changes in security level, and stowaways or bomb searches.
• The effectiveness of ISPS code implementation is tested.

International Ship Security Certificate

• It is a statutory certificate for ships over 500 GRT for five years.

Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

• The ship security alert system is a main security requirement on board as required under the ISPS code.
• At least two security buttons that can initiate SSAS.
• One button should be on the wheel house of the ship.
• Alert goes to the Flag state and the Company Security Officer (CSO).
• The ship security alert system, when activated, shall initiate and transmit a ship-to-shore security alert to a competent authority.
• SSAS will not send the ship security alert to other ships or raise any alarm on-board the ship.
• The ship security alert continues until deactivated and/or reset.

The ISPS Code enhances maritime security against terrorism, following the 9/11 attacks. Implemented under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, it regulates ship, port, cargo, and crew safety. It establishes responsibilities for governments, companies, personnel, and port facilities.