International Ship & Port Facility Security Code

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code came into effect on 1 July 2004, although some provisions within the Code have different implementation dates. Full details can be obtained from the IMO website www.imo.org or from National Administrations.

The ISPS Code is designed to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism. The ship/port interface is seen as a potential point of weakness for security measures. Other maritime security challenges external to the Code include illegal immigration, smuggling, theft and piracy.

Entities such as Classification Societies (e.g. Lloyds Register of Shipping, DNV, ABS, GL, etc) and Owner Organisations (such as the International Chamber of Shipping) provide advice and guidance to their members. Additionally, they now can give clarify on how the ISPS Code is being implemented in practice.

The ISPS Code recognises that threats to national security may come from a ship; via its personnel, cargo or the ship itself. It also recognises that a ship can be vulnerable to threats from port personnel, cargo and stores, and the port facility itself.

Good record maintenance and retrieval of security records and contacts between the ship and port facilities are essential parts of qualifying for an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC). One method of co-ordination achieved between a ship and port facility includes a Declaration of Security, which is exchanged between ship and port facility.

Flag and Port States are responsible for ensuring that information on port security affecting ships reaches affected vessels.

Some national governments are also introducing domestic maritime legislation. Examples include the USA, with the Maritime Transportation Security Act 2002, and the European Commissions May 2003 proposals for enhancing maritime transport security.

There are three designated levels of security under ISPS:

From 1 July 2004, many ships subject to the ISPS Code must have had installed a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). This is a covert alert, which does not sound on the ship nor alert neighbouring ships, and alerts the authorities ashore only.

SSAS alerts are delivered to nationally-approved entities or organisations or companies, often to more than one addressee for robustness. However, these alerts are delivered at routine priority only

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has agreed to revise its regulations for seafarers ID.

Further IMO updates on the ISPS Code and related issues will appear when available.