What is the ISPS Code?
ISPS or theInternational 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 1st 2004 as a comprehensive set of measurements for international security by prescribing responsibilities to a 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 theInternational Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS) is as follows:
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:
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.
Ship Security Officer ( SSO )
SSO is the i- charge of security of the vessel onboard 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 Plan ( SSP )
It is a plan kept onboard 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 Alert System
Different types of security equipment are kept onboard which includes a metal detector for checking the person entering the vessel. 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 alarm the shore authority about the security threat.
Implementing ISPS Security Level
It’s the responsibility of SSO to implement the security level onboard 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”.
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 a 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 a local government authority. The security level adopted for the port facility must be informed to vessel administration for cooperative measures.
