2019 ISPS Code For Ships PDF

**SSO** **The ISPS Code For Ships** **What is the ISPS Code?** ISPS or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is an essential maritime regulation for the safety and security of ships, ports, cargo and crew. The biggest challenge the world is facing today is fighting terrorism. The...

**SSO** **The ISPS Code For Ships** **What is the ISPS Code?** ISPS or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is an essential maritime regulation for the safety and security of ships, ports, cargo and crew. The biggest challenge the world is facing today is fighting terrorism. There have been many events in the history lately involving terrorist attacks in different parts of the world in different forms. But the most gruesome of all -- September 11 terrorist attack on the twin towers (World Trade Centre) proved that the national and international security was on stake. The maritime security is a prevailing issue and several incidences have taken place even before the 9/11 attack (for e.g. On 26th February 2000, bombs that were hidden inside two crowded buses in a Philippians' ferry -- Our lady of Mediatrix, exploded and killed 45 passengers). Before the ISPS code, the SOLAS primary focus was the safety of the ship at sea. As security and safety are entirely different topics, new amendments were made in SOLAS and the Chapter XI, which contains measures to enhance maritime safety, by renaming to Chapter XI-1 and a new Chapter XI-2 was added with additional focus on maritime security. This new chapter comprises of regulations known as International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities with the abbreviated name "International Ship and Port Facility Security Code or the ISPS Code". Since the sea is one of the easiest ways to approach an international territory, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under SOLAS convention chapter XI-2 developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security code -- The ISPS code for the safety of ships, ports, seafarers and government agencies. The ISPS code was implemented by IMO on July 1^st^ 2004 as a comprehensive set of measurements for international security by prescribing responsibilities to government authority, port authority, shipping companies and seafarers. It applies to the ships doing international voyages which include passenger ships & cargo ships of 500 GT and above. **Main Aim of ISPS code In Shipping** The ISPS code mainly looks after the security aspects of the ship, seafarers, ports and port workers, to ensure preventive measures can be taken if a security threat is determined. The main aim of the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS) is as follows: - To monitor the activity of people and cargo operation - To detect the different security threats on board vessel and in port and implement measure as per the situation - To provide a security level to the ship and derive various duties and functions at the different security level - To establish the respective roles and responsibilities of the contracting governments, agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries - To build and implement roles and responsibilities for port state officer and onboard officers to tackle maritime security threat at the international level - To collect data from all over the maritime industry concerning security threats and implementing ways to tackle the same - To ensure the exchange of collected security-related information data with worldwide port and ship owners network - To provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and procedures to react to changing security levels - To find the shortcomings in the ship security and port security plan and measure to improve them **ISPS Code Requirements** The ISPS code incorporates various functional requirements so that it can achieve certain objectives to ensure the security of ships and ports. Some of the important requirements are as follows: - To gather the security-related information from the contracting government agencies - To assess the received information - To distribute the security-related information to appropriate contracting government agencies - Defining the proper communication protocols for ships and port facilities for hassle-free information exchange - To prevent any unauthorised entry in port facilities or on a ship and other related restricted areas, even if the unauthorised entry is not a threat (but always considered as a potential threat) - To prevent the passage of unauthorised weapons, incendiary devices or explosives to ships and port facilities - To provide different means for raising the alarm if any security incident is encountered or a potential security threat is assessed - To implement proper security plan on port and ship based upon the security assessment and requirements - To plan and implement training, drills and exercises for ship and port crew so that they are familiar with the security plans and there is no delay in implementing the same in case of a real threat - ISPS CODE IMPLEMENTATION **ISPS Code Meaning for Ships:** The cargo ships are vulnerable to security threats as they hardly carry any weapon of protection in case of a real attack. Piracy, terrorist attack, stowaways etc. are real-time threats haunting the ship and its crew. Improved ship security will be required in order to identify and take preventive measures against such security incidents. The administration is responsible for reviewing and approving a ship security plan for the ship, which will also include any amendments of old plans etc. The company must train its officer for ship security officer certification and the assessment of the ship security will be carried onboard by these certified officers only. The timely assessment of the ship security plan (SSP) by a certified officer is essential for finding shortcomings and enhancing the current SSP. The ship security assessment shall be documented, reviewed, accepted and retained by the company. Every ship must carry an approved ship security plan approved by the Administration. **ISPS Code for Vessels Includes :** **Company Security Officer ( CSO )** CSO is a company appointed person, who is responsible for the ship security assessment and for the onboard survey to confirm the development and implementation of the ship security plan as per ISPS code. If any deficiency occurs, CSO is responsible to deal with all the non-conformities and to modify SSP as per the deficiency. **Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), every shipping company is required to appoint a company security officer, who would take care of the ship's safety and security.** **The company security officer designated by a company would be responsible for one or more than one ships, depending on the number and types of ships the company operates. This responsibility is clearly identified.** **Every shipping company assigns a set of responsibilities for the company security officer depending of the type of ships and cargo which the company operates. However, basic responsibilities of company security officer remain the same.** **Responsibilities of company security officer (CSO)** - **Ship security plan (SSP) along with ship security assessment (SSA), play an important role in ensuring the security of the ship. The company security officer is responsible for carrying out the ship security plan in an efficient manner.** - **Using the data acquired from the ship security assessment (SSA), the company security officer would advise on various threats which are likely to be encountered by the ship and would also decide the ship security level.** - **The company security officer (CSO) would arrange for internal audits and reviews of security activities.** - **On the basis of various observations and results from the ship security assessment, the company security officer would make developments in the ship's security plan.** - **He would also seek for the approval to the submissions made on the basis of the results of the assessments** - **He would also modify the ship security plan to get rid of deficiencies in the security measures and to satisfy security requirements of each ship. Thereafter, he would ensure that the plan is implemented and maintained in the best possible manner.** - **Company security officer would take measures to enhance security awareness and vigilance in his staff and also among ship personnel** - **He would also arrange for the initial and subsequent verifications of the ship by the administration or the recognized security organization** - **He would ensure that adequate training is provided to those responsible for the security of the ship** - **In case deficiencies and non-conformities are found during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verification of compliance, the security officer would address and deal with them to the earliest** - **He would ensure consistency between security requirements and safety requirements of the ship** - **He would see to it that an effective communication and cooperation between the ship security officer and relevant port facility security officer is maintained** - **In case security plan of a sister ship or fleet security system is used, he would make sure that the plan for each ship would reflect the ship-specific information accurately** - **Company security officer would also ensure that the an alternative, equivalent arrangement for safety of each ship is implemented and maintained** **Ship Security Officer ( SSO )** SSO is the person in charge of security of the vessel on board and responsible for the other entire crew member to carry out duties for ship security as per ISPS code. SSO is responsible for carrying out frequent drills for ISPS Code as per SSP. **ship security officer (SSO) is an important entity under the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) code. The SSO is a person appointed by the company and the ship's master for ensuring the security of the ship.** **Ship's security is one of the greatest concerns for every shipping company whose ships ply in international waters. Though there are advanced systems such as ship security alert system (SSAS) and ship security reporting system (SSRS) to enhance maritime security, contribution of the crew towards ship's security play a very important role.** **The main duties of the ship security officer (SSO) include implementation and maintenance of a ship security plan, while working closely with the company security officer (CSO) and the port facility security officer (PFCO).** **According to the ISPS code, every ship must have a ship security officer, who has the full responsibility of the ship's security.** **The main responsibilities of ship security officer (SSO) are:** - **Implementing and maintaining the ship security plan (SSP)** - **Conducting security inspections at regular intervals of time to ensure that proper security steps are taken** - **Making changes to the ship security plan if need arise** - **Propose modifications to the ship security plan by taking various aspects of the ship into consideration** - **Help in ship security assessment (SSA)** - **Ensure that the ship's crew is properly trained to maintain a high ship security level** - **Enhance security awareness and vigilance on board ship** - **Guide ship's crew by teaching ways to enhance ship's security** - **Report all security incidents to the company and the ship's master** - **Taking view and suggestions of the company security officer and the port facility security officer into consideration while making amendments to the ship security plan** - **Help company security officer (CSO) in his duties** - **Take into account various security measures related to handling of cargo, engine room operations, ship's store etc.** - **Coordinate with ship board personnel and port authorities to carry out all ship operations with utmost security** - **Ensure that the ship security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated, and maintained** **The duties of ship security officer might change, increase, or decrease, depending on the type of the ship and situation. However, the main duties remain the same as mentioned above.** **The importance of maritime security has substantially increased with the increase in the number of piracy attacks. This has also lead to a sudden increase in demand of maritime security jobs. Many companies offer special maritime security services to ensure high level of ship and port security. However, it is to note that most of the ship security related troubles can be averted by having a sound ship security plan.** **\ Ship Security Plan ( SSP )** It is a plan kept on board vessel mentioning the duty of crew members at different security levels and the do's and don'ts at a different type of security threats. SSO is responsible under CSO to implement ship security plan onboard vessel. **Ship Security Plan (SSP) is a plan that is formulated to ensure that that the measures laid out in the plan with respect to the security of the ship are applied onboard. This is in place to protect the personnel, cargo, cargo transport units, stores etc from any security related risks. The plan specifies responsibilities and procedures to counteract any anticipated threat to the vessel and her cargo.** **The ISPS Code makes it mandatory for a vessel to have such a plan in place. The SSP must lay out the protective measures for each security level vis a vis ship related activities, access control onboard, monitoring of the restricted areas, cargo handling, receiving of stores/baggage etc. The CSO must ensure that the ship is provided with such a plan commensurate with the ISPS Code. The SSP is a critical document, the information of which is to be restricted to designated personnel onboard and not shared deliberately; the plan must be protected from unauthorised access or disclosure.** **Requirements** - **Developed for each ship, the SSP should take into account the security level of the port facility** - **Measures and equipment to prevent any threat to the ship and to prevent carriage of any unauthorised units onboard** - **Ship Security Personnel (SSP) must establish measures against unwanted access to the ship** - **As per SSP, a Ship Security Officer (SSO) must be appointed onboard to execute the SSP** - **Depending upon the Code interpreted and followed, the SSP should be formulated by an approved Organisation** - **The plan must be developed after a thorough security assessment of the ship taking into account the guidance laid out in the ISPS Code** **Contents** **The SSP must address the following aspects:** - **Preventive measures against weapons, hazardous substances, devices that may be intended for use against the safety and security of the ship** - **Specific identification of restricted areas and preventive action against access to any such designated areas** - **Action to be taken when the ship is facing a security threat or breach taking into account the critical operations of the ship** - **Complying with instructions of the Contracting Government with respect to the security level** - **Evacuation procedures that might have to be carried out in case of a breach that cannot be combatted** - **Specific duties of the shipboard personnel with responsibilities when security is in question** - **Procedures for auditing security related activities** - **Procedures for training and drills associated with the plan** - **Procedures for liaising with the port facility** - **Procedures for reporting security related incidents** - **Designation and identification of the SSO and the CSO with duties and contact details** - **Procedures to maintain, test and calibrate equipment pertaining to the Code. This shall include details of the frequency of the tests to be carried out as well** - **Locations where the SSAS is provided and the guidance on using the SSAS. Usage instructions should also include details of testing of SSAS and information regarding false alerts as well** **It is important to remember that the SSP is NOT subject to inspection unless in a case specifically specified by the Code. Unless there is proper evidence to prove that the SSP has not been complied with, inspection may not be allowed. Even when there is a plausible cause for non-compliance, inspection may only be carried out specifically with the aspects that violate the SSP and not an entire check on the SSP. This can only be done with consent from the Master of the vessel. The Master always has the overriding authority to call the shots, especially when the safety and security of the vessel are in question. If in the professional judgement (and experience) of the Master, there is a conflict in the operations of the ship in relation to the SSP, he may use temporary measures to upkeep the security until the conflict is resolved. Any such temporary measure must be, so far as practicable, be commensurate with the prevailing security level.** **Implementation ** **Unless implemented with diligence, the SSP will be a worthless piece of paper! The SSO must ensure that the SSP is implemented to the best possible extent to maintain its effectiveness. From carrying out training and drills to specifying to personnel about their respective duties as per the SSP, the SSO is a vital entity in the implementation of the SSP. Along with briefings and debriefings, an appraisal must also be carried out to check the level of contribution of the personnel.** **With the dynamic nature of shipping, the SSO under the auspices of the Master must identify any shortcomings in the plan. Remedial measures and a review of the same must be sent to the CSO as suggestions to keep the SSP updated as well as to ensure that the security aspect is upheld without any compromise. Any such suggestions to bring about a change in the existing plan must be backed up by a thorough security assessment of the vessel.** **Damage to shipping from entities that intending to pose threat is ever-changing. The security of the vessel is not just for namesake but for the very protection of the ship and its resources, the most valuable resource being the manpower. It is therefore imperative to always assign due importance to the SSP and its implementation.** **Ship Security Alert System** From July 2004, most of the ship has installed the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) as per ISPS norms which do not sound on the ship but alarms the shore authority about the security threat. **What is Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?** **The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is a safety measure for strengthening ship's security and subduing acts of piracy and/or terrorism against shipping. Widely Acknowledged as a part of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS code), the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) complements the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s attempts to increase maritime vessel security.** **Cospas-Sarsat, with International Maritime Organization's cooperation, came up with this project of Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). The basic idea is that in case of an attempted piracy effort, terrorist act, or any other incident which can be defined as a threat to the ship under the maritime security, the ship's SSAS beacon would be activated, responding to which an appropriate law-enforcement or military forces would be dispatched for rescue. The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) beacon and the Aircraft Transponder Emergency Code 7700 are operated on the fundament of similar principles.** **The SSAS is a type of silent ship security alarm system which, when activated, does not issue any audio-visual signal on the ship or to nearby vessels or security forces. The alert in most cases is first received by the ship's owner or an SSAS management third party, then passed to the ship's [flag state](https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/what-are-flag-states-in-the-shipping-industry-2/), and these receivers are obliged to inform the national authorities of the coastal states where the ship is sailing.** **The Flag States decide who will be the initial recipient of the security alerts from the ships. The recipient may be one or more parties designated by the Flag State as competent authorities, which may include the Company (shipowner) or a SSAS manaegement third party.** **How SSAS works?** - **When the maritime security staff encounters probable danger from pirates or terrorists, a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) alert is triggered** - **The beacon transmits a specific security alert, with important details about the ship and its location, to the administration and to the owner, or appointed professional SSAS management and monitoring services** - **Once receiving the signal, the administration will notify the nearest national authorities of the area which will dispatch appropriate military or law-enforcement forces to deal with the terrorist or pirate menace** **Legislation on Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)** **In December 2002, International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted some changes within which Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) was determined in SOLAS Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6. It also required IMO to produce guidance on the implementation and instructions on the handling of covert alerts from SSAS instrumentation.** **According to the international requirements regarding the security of ships and of port facilities, following ships must be provided with an SSAS:** - **All cargo ships which are constructed on or after 1st July 2004** - **All passenger ships and high-speed craft intended to carry passengers which are constructed before 1 July 2004 not later than at the first survey of their radio installation after 1st July 2004** - **Oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft of 500 GT and above constructed before 1 July 2004 not later than at the first survey of their radio installation after 1 July 2004** - **Other cargo ships of 500 GT and above constructed before 1 July 2004 and mobile offshore drilling units not later than at the first survey of their radio installation after 1 July 2006.** **The SSAS alerts are to be sent by the security staff, necessarily at routine priority, from the ship to its administration directly or other proper recipient designated by the Administration (flag state).** **These routine priority SSAS alerts might be chosen by Administrations to have from their flagships addressed to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres in their own region or to other targets such as ship owners or managers.** **Satellite service of Inmarsat C, mini-C and D+ would help affirm the full accessibility of processing the messages of Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), while the existing outdated GMDSS would require an update provided by its manufacturers or agents.** **SSAS solutions, which are available on the Inmarsat network, inevitably render more flexibility in the routing of SSAS alerts.** **In accordance with the requirements of the IMO, these alerts could be sent to any destination, which might be a rescue coordination center, or a national security organisation or the shipowner or any other third-party organisation but necessarily selected by the flag administration.** **The security staff can deliver the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) to fax, email, telex, GSM phone, or even to other Inmarsat terminals for the sake of ship security complying with the legislation specified in Regulation 6.** **The SSAS Button/Switch:** **As per the regulation, minimum two security alert buttons must be provided on the ship, one being located on the bridge and the second one should be located in any other prominent position (for e.g. Accommodation). The location of the switch must be known to all the ship's crew.** **The switch must be provided with a protective latch cover, to avoid misuse or accidental operation of the vessel. When the ship is at dry dock and if any work is being carried out near the SSAS button, proper instruction must be given to the person involved in that area for not touching/operating the button. In dry dock or layups, the latch can be locked temporarily, with the key kept at an accessible location and known to Master and the Ship Security Officer. During normal operation, the safety cover should never be locked.** **When the Ship Security Alert System is Activated, following details will be sent to the administration:** 1. Name of ship 2. IMO number allotted to the ship 3. The Call Sign of the ship 4. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position of the ship in latitude and longitude 5. Maritime Mobile Service Identity 6. Date and time of the alert according to the GNSS position (as per the current time the ship is sailing) **Once the SSAS is pressed, the alert should be continuously transmitted to the administration or designated authority selected by the administration unless it is reset or deactivated.** **The responsibility of the Signal Receiver:** - **The SSAS signal is received by the administration (flag state) and either by the owner or another representative selected by the administration (professional SSAS management and monitoring services)** - **An email or phone number is dedicated to receiving the SSAS alert and should be continuously monitored by the administration representatives as missing the alert or acting late on it can cause severe harm to the life and property** - **Once the signal is received, the date and time should not be misunderstood as the local time of the administration or owner's location. The date and time represent the location of the ship which is currently sailing. (for e.g. the Panama registry office will receive the signal of its ship sailing near Somalia, hence if the message is received at 11:47 PM Wednesday, in Panama, it is sent 7:47 am Thursday from Somalia)** - **Make contact with the vessel about the alert signal to make sure the alert is legitimate and not a faulty alert** - **Once the alert is confirmed legitimate, the administration should alert the situation to the nearest coastal authority and security agency.** - **If the alert is generated due to fault in the SSAS equipment, ensure to inform the same to coastal and security authorities.** **Testing Of SSAS :** - **The SSAS should be tested for its proper function to ensure it is working properly as the functionality of the SSAS is crucial in case of a real emergency** - **Also, as per the Maritime Safety Committee circular- 1155, the companies must ensure to notify the flag stat well ahead of the test so that it should not be misunderstood as a real emergency** - **Most of the flag states (administration) responsible for receiving and acting on the signal have laid down rules for communicating the test procedures of SSAS. For e.g. some flag state has the requirement to notify about the SSAS test not more than 2 days in advance and not less than 4 hours prior to the test** - **The shipmaster is responsible to notify the same by a pre-test notification email to the email address provided by the flag state dedicated to testing communications. This helps the flag state and the ship representative in effectively tracking the alert notifications and ensuring there is no miscommunication as it may lead to unintended emergency response actions, which will cost valuable time and money** - **The email or message sent to the flag state must contain "TEST" word in the subject and inside the message to ensure there is no confusion whatsoever** - **Once the test has been performed, the Master of the ship should send another email/ message to the administration about the conclusion of the test, as soon as possible. This ensures the administration will be ready to respond to the emergency in case another alert comes of a real emergency** - **It may happen that the SSAS button and instrument associated with it are faulty and continuously sending alerts to the administration. In such case, the company security officer (CSO) must inform the situation to the administration using the proper channel and ensure the repair is carried out at the earliest possible situation.** - **Once the SSAS equipment has been rectified and restored to the normal operation, the Ship Security Officer (SSO) must inform the Company Security Officer (CSO), and then he/she will inform the same to the flag state.** **Annual check of complete SSAS system must be performed (usually done during annual radio equipment survey) and also during the renewal or intermediate inspection of ISPS certificate. The checks to be performed as per the Ship Security Plan.** **The unit should have the option to test the alarm internally when the flag state representative is onboard.**  **Benefits** - Fully maritime focused - Use of the Inmarsat C, mini-C, D+ satellite service - Upgradation over older GMDSS version. - Global coverage - Suitable for asset tracking - Daily reports at routine priority - Web-based tracking - Conforms to IMO standards and full compliance with the requirements of SOLAS XI-2/6 - **Installation, testing, and instruction on usage by professionals.** **SSAS Challenges:** - **The SSAS setup on a ship is still considered as an additional financial burden on ships and ship owner try to stick to the regulation by providing only two ship security alert system switches on a ship. It is possible that during the attack, these two locations are not accessible and if the number of the switch is increased, it will add to the safety of the ship and its crew** - **The regulation does not make it mandatory to have an independent source of power to the ship's SSAS. In case of failure of main power or fault in the emergency backup power, the SSAS will not work** - **As discussed earlier, the switches are provided in two locations which includes bridge as one location. It is important for the Master to ensure the ship's crew knows the location of the switches. The familiarization of the locations in every drill is still not practised in many ships which may lead to confusion in case of a real emergency** - **There are many agencies/ third party who are dedicated to monitoring the SSAS alert from the ship. To save the cost, many owners do not opt for such agencies and prefer to keep this service in-house (Company security officer). It is naïve to think that CSO will never miss a call or a message or the phone dedicated to the alert will never run out the battery** **Implementing ISPS Security Level** It's the responsibility of SSO to implement the security level on board complying with the security level set by the local government authorities. Also, a continuous response is to be made to Port state when the security level is "level 3". **Setting ISPS security levels MARSEC 1-2-3** **The security levels under the ISPS code describe the current scenario related to the security threat to the country and its coastal region including the ships visiting that country. The security levels are decided by the cooperation of ship and port authority, keeping the current condition of national and international security. The local government sets the security level and ensures to inform port state and ships prior to entering the port, or when berthed in the port.** **All personnel on board ships and port state staffs are assigned with security duties, which are different for people of different levels. Moreover, frequent security drills are also carried out on board ships.** **As soon as the security level has been decided as per the ISPS code, it is displayed prominently on board vessel at the entrance of the ship.** **It should be noted that the MARSEC level of the ship should always be the same or higher than the port's MARSEC level.** **For any of the security levels, the following are the general points to be  kept in mind:** - **Checking the identity of all persons boarding/wanting to board the vessel** - **Designated secure areas are established in liaison with the PFSO** - **Segregate checked persons from those unchecked for ease of operation** - **Segregating embarkation and disembarkation** - **Identification of access points to be secured against unauthorised access** - **Securing of areas that provide access to personnel** - **Providing security briefings to all ship personnel on possible threats and the levels associated with the port** - **Compliance with the SSP at all times** **MARSEC Level 1** **The normal level that the ship or port facility operates on a daily basis. Level 1 ensures that security personnel maintains minimum appropriate security 24/7.** **In this, all those liable to board must be searched. The frequency of the same should be specified in the SSP. Such searches are to be carried out in coordination with the port facility. It is important to remember the human rights angle of the individual being searched and the search should not violate their dignity.** - **Minimum security measures are always maintained on board and in port** - **Ship and port operation is carried out as per ship and port facility security plan** - **Port facility ensures to keep the 'no access' areas under surveillance at all times** - **Ship and port authority mutually supervise loading and unloading operation of cargo and stores, ensuring access control and other minimum security criteria.** - **Minimum access in the ship is maintained at all times.** **MARSEC Level 2** **A heightened level for a time period during a security risk that has become visible to security personnel. Appropriate additional measures will be conducted at this security level.** **At this level, the SSP should establish the measures to be applied to protect against the heightened risk. Higher vigilance and tighter control with regard to the security of the ship is in play here.** - **Assigning additional personnel for patrolling the access areas** - **Deterring waterside access to the ship** - **Establishing a restricted area on the shore side of the ship** - **Increasing the search frequency and detail of the persons due to board or disembark** - **Escorting all visitors onboard** - **Additional security briefings to the ship's personnel to with emphasis in relation to the security level** - **Carrying out a full or partial search of the ship** **MARSEC Level 3** **Will include additional security measures for an incident that is forthcoming or has already occurred that must be maintained for a limited time frame. The security measure must be attended to although there might not be a specific target that has yet been identified.** **Again, the SSP should be adhered to and with strong liaison with the port facility. The following measures should be put in place with the highest degree of vigilance and detail:** - **Limiting access to a single, controlled access point** - **Granting access strictly to authorised personnel or those responding to any security incident** - **Suspension of embarkation and disembarkation** - **Suspension of cargo operations and stores etc** - **If needed, the evacuation of the ship** - **Close monitoring of the movement of the people on board** - **Preparing for a full or partial search of the ship** **Restricted Areas** **The SSP must identify areas that are restricted which is to be established on board. The purpose of such areas is to restrict access, protect the personnel onboard, protect the cargo from pilferage or tampering etc. The restricted areas may include the navigation bridge, machinery spaces, spaces with security related equipment, ventilation spaces, spaces containing IMDG cargo, accommodation, any other areas specified as per the SSP.** **With regard to the restricted areas, the measures to be applied on them are as follows:** **MARSEC Level 1** - **Locking/securing access points** - **Using surveillance equipment to monitor areas** - **Thorough patrolling** - **Using alarm system to alert the ship's personnel in case of unwanted entry** **MARSEC Level 2** - **Establishing restricted areas in the vicinity of the access points** - **Continuously monitoring surveillance equipment** - **Additional personnel for patrolling said areas** **MARSEC Level 3** - **Setup of restricted areas near the access points at the highest level of stringency** - **Searching for restricted areas as part of the ship search** **Cargo Handling** **Security measures are in place vis a vis cargo operations to prevent tampering as well as to prevent the carriage of any cargo that has not been authorised or established to be carried onboard. The following measures can be used as a reference:** **MARSEC Level 1** - **Routine checks on cargo, transport units, cargo spaces** - **Matching cargo with the documentation** - **Loading vehicles subjected to search in liaison with the PFSO** - **Checking seals to prevent tampering** **MARSEC Level 2** - **Detailed checking of cargo, transport units, cargo spaces** - **Intense checks to ensure only intended cargo is loaded** - **Intense check on loading vehicles** - **Increased frequency of checking seals** **MARSEC Level 3** - **Suspension of loading or discharging** - **Verify inventory of DG and hazardous substances onboard** **Delivery Of Ships Stores** **Stores should be checked for packing integrity including random checks on samples. Nop stores should be accepted without inspection; check if tampered with if accepted. Unless ordered, stores should not be accepted. Double check with documentary evidence about what has been ordered and what has not. Following measures may be used as reference:** **MARSEC Level 1** - **Match orders with documents prior to loading** - **Stow the stores securely** **MARSEC Level 2** - **Thorough checks prior to loading stores and intensifying inspections of the same** **MARSEC Level 3** - **Delivery of stores to be taken only in case of emergency** **Handling of unaccompanied baggage** **Baggage must be screened before taking on board; use advanced methods such as X ray if needed.** **MARSEC Level 1** - **Baggage screened and searched which may include X ray screening** **MARSEC Level 2** - **Full screening including X ray of all baggage** **MARSEC Level 3** - **Suspension of baggage handling** - **Refusal to accept any unaccompanied pieces of baggage** **Monitoring the security of the ship** **The aspect of monitoring must cover lighting, watch keepers including security guards for patrolling, intrusion detection devices. These intrusion devices must be capable of setting off an alarm.** **The ship's deck and access points should be illuminated in darkness as well as the vicinity of the ship depending on the extent of security threat that is at stake. In ports prone to contraband smuggling, an underwater hill check must also be carried out.** **The security of the ship and the port are complementary to each other.  One cannot be safe without the help of the other. The SSO and PFSO's communication and cooperation is essential to the compliance of the SSP and the upkeep of security levels.** **ISPS Code for Port Facilities** Port facilities have to make sure that all the facilities are protected from any kind of threats which may arise from both land and water. They also need to monitor the ships which are coming to its shore from an international voyage for any security risk. It is the port facility which defines the security levels to be implemented on the ships which are in its territorial waters. The Port managing company is responsible for preparing the Port Facility Security Plan.  The port facilities security assessment is also an essential and integral part of the process of developing and updating the port facility security plan. The assessment is usually assessed and reviewed by the flag state or by the government organisation responsible for shipping and port development for that country. **ISPS Code for Port Facilities Includes:** **Port Facility Security Officer ( PFSO )** PFSO is a Government appointed officer responsible for implementing PFSP and to derive security levels for port and vessel berthing at their jetty. He is responsible to conduct port facility security assessment. **Port Facility Security Plan ( PFSP )** It includes the plans and action to be taken at different security levels. Roles and responsibilities are included in PFSP. Action to be taken at the time of any security breach is described in PFSP. **Security Equipment** Minimum security equipment like scanner and metal detector etc. must be available at all times with the port facility to avoid the breach of security inside the port. **Implementing Security Level** Security levels are implemented by the port authority under the consultation of local government authority. The security level adopted for the port facility must be informed to vessel administration for cooperative measures. **Challenges of ISPS code:** Every regulation comes with its own challenges. The ISPS code is no different and has the following concerns: - Human rights are one of the biggest concerns with ISPS code as it directly affects the seafarers' wellbeing. Shore leave has always been considered as an essential stress relief process for the ship's crew, and due to the security threats many countries are prohibiting shore leave for seafarers - Proper implementation of ISPS code is another concern as not all the crew are trained at the shore for ship security training. - It also impacts on the daily activity of crew as it comes with additional duties of security watch etc. - Implementing the security level on the ship is also an additional job, which is time-consuming. - The port activities are also affected when the security level rises, leading to slow down of cargo operation - When the security level is at its highest level, the port stay of the ship will increase as all the cargoes are checked as compared to lower security level (1 & 2), wherein only a handful of cargoes are inspected for security reasons - Some ports do not allow any cargo operations under security level 3 until the level is minimised. **Advantages of ISPS Code:** - The ISPS aims to increase the safety and security of the ship hence minimised the risk - Better control of cargo flow, personal access - Better documentation procedure (as it has standard procedures all over) - Secured working environment making it easier for seafarers and port workers **Disadvantages of ISPS:** - Additional work for seafarers as more security-related tasks are added to the work routine - Slow work progress when the security level rises - Additional paperwork and certification requirements - Increase in operating cost of the ship for ISPS implementation and increase in port costs (more port stay) if the security level is higher - More administration work