ISPS Code Lecture: Maritime Security, Ships, & Ports PDF

LECTURE 12  International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code; 2002;  Introduction  The maritime community has a series of special measures to enhance maritime security. The biggest challenge the world is facing today is fighting terrorism. ISPS code is...

LECTURE 12  International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code; 2002;  Introduction  The maritime community has a series of special measures to enhance maritime security. The biggest challenge the world is facing today is fighting terrorism. ISPS code is probably the only code that was developed because of a non-marine incident. It was considered and developed after the 9/11 terror attack in 2001 in the USA. (After Achille Lauro attacked in 1986)  These are contained in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea ( SOLAS ) Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS Code).  ISPS is an essential maritime regulation for the safety and security of ships, ports, cargo and crew..  Background  ISPS code was implemented by IMO as an amendment to the SOLAS convention.  The main purpose of ISPS is to regulate and control the security and safety of the crew, ships, ports, and cargo as they travel through international waters.  Having entered into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004, ISPS Code has since formed the basis for a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping.  It prescribes responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to "detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities.  The ISPS code applies to cargo ships of 500 GT and above and to passenger ships regardless of size, engaged on international voyages, as well as to port facilities serving such ships. ISPS Sign in Port ISPS Code being applied in Southampton, England, with signs prohibiting access to areas next to ships. The cruise ship Sea Princess leaving the port of Southampton; fences are visible on the right, which prevent access to the ship under the ISPS Code  9 elements of ISPS code we need to know about. 1. Ship Security Plan (SSP)  Ship Security Plan has all the security-related instructions for the ship’s crew.  Ship security plan is to be kept in a locker. If it is at an open location, it may lead to a non-conformity during inspection or ISPS audit.  Master and SSO must not give access of SSP to any external party. Only Company security officer and person conducting security audit can be given access ISPS code part A/9.4 gives the minimum points that must be included in the Ship Security Plan (SSP). 2. Ship Security Assessment Ship security assessment is the first step towards developing a security plan. Need to identify all the access point of the ship and the possible ways the ship can be attacked. 3. Ship Security Officer (SSO) - ISPS code requires company to appoint a ship security officer. - The crew member appointed as SSO must have done security training required as per STCW. The main duties of ship security officer are - to implement and maintain all the elements of ship security plan - to liaise (cooperate) with the company security officer and port facility security officer (PFSO) for all security related activities  4. Company Security Officer (CSO)  ISPS code also requires company to appoint a company security officer. The main duties of the company security officer is to Carry out ship security assessment Develop ship security plan and submit it for approval ensure efficient implementation of SSP on board  One of the important duty of CSO is to share regular security information to the SSO and ship. 5. Security Levels  ISPS code has set three security levels. ISPS Code sign in Youghal, Ireland  Who decides the security levels on board  When the ship is at sea, security level is set by the flag state of the vessel. Flag state may not instruct the ship directly but may do so through CSO.  CSO will forward the message from the flag state to the applicable ships to change the security level. SSO need to acknowledge the instructions to change the security level and confirm to CSO when the security level is changed.  At port, vessel need to have same security level as the port. Before arrival, agent gives all the security details of the port and also advises the security level of the ship.   6. Declaration of security  Declaration of security is security related declaration between two parties. One of the party is the own ship and other party can either be a port or another ship. 7. Security drills and exercises  Company is required to devise a security drill planner which should cover all the security situations.  These drills may include situations like Bomb threat at port / at sea Change in security level Stowaway or Bomb search These drills and exercises is to test the effectiveness of ISPS code implementation.  8. International Ship Security Certificate  International ship security certificate is a statutory certificate. ISPS code applies to all ships over 500 GRT require to have a valid “International ship security certificate”. It will be valid for 5 years term 9. Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) - One of the main security equipment on board required by ISPS code is ship security alert system. - There need to be a minimum of two security buttons that can initiate SSAS. One of these buttons should be on the wheel house of the ship. - Generally, when a SSAS button is pressed, the alert goes to the Flag state and the CSO