ISPS CODE

What is
ISPS Code
standThe
for?

International Ship
and Port Facility Security

What is ISPS Code ?

is an amendment to the SOLAS
Convention (1974/1988) on minimum
security arrangements for ships, ports
and government agencies.

The IMO states that ISPS

Code is;

A comprehensive set of
measures to enhance the
security of ships and port
facilities.
Developed in response to the
perceived threats to ships and
port facilities in the wake of the
9/11 attacks in the United States

SCOPES
The ISPS Code applies to ships on international
voyages (including passenger ships, cargo ships
of 500GT and upwards, and mobile offshore
drilling units) and the port facilities serving such
ships.
The code is a two-part document describing
minimum requirements for security of ships and
ports. Part A provides mandatory requirements.
Part B provides guidance for implementation.

The main objectives of

the ISPS Code are;

> To detect security threats and implement

security measures
> To establish roles and responsibilities
concerning maritime security for governments,
local administrations, ship and port industries
at the national and international level
> To collate and promulgate security-related
information
> To provide a methodology for security
assessments so as to have in place plans and
procedures to react to changing security levels

REQUIREMENTS
For ships the framework includes requirements for:
Ship Security Plans (SSP)
Ship Security Officers (SSO)
Company Security Officers (CSO)
Certain Onboard Equipment
For port facilities, the requirements include:
Port Facility Security Plans
Port Facility Security Officers
Certain Security Equipment
In addition the requirements for ships and for port facilities include:
Monitoring and controlling access
Monitoring the activities of people and cargo
Ensuring security communications are readily available

In the ISPS Code, What are the different security

levels referred to?
SECURITY LEVEL 1
Normal, the level at which the ship or port facility
normally operates. Security level 1 means the level for
which minimum appropriate protective security measures
shall be maintained at all times.

SECURITY LEVEL 2
Heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a
heightened risk of a security incident. Security level 2
means the level for which appropriate additional
protective security measures shall be maintained for a
period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security
incident.

SECURITY LEVEL 3
Exceptional, the level applying for the period of time when
there is the probable or imminent risk of a security
incident.
Security level 3 means the level for which further specific
protective security measures shall be maintained for a
limited period of time when a security incident is probable
or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify
the specific target.
Setting security level 3 should be an exceptional measure
applying only when there is credible information that a

Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?

What is the ISPS Code?

Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?
Is there a black list of countries not in compliance with the ISPS code?
Are all IMO Member States obliged to comply with the ISPS Code?
What are the different security levels referred to in the ISPS Code?
Where can I get a copy of the ISPS Code?
What are the other measures adopted in addition to the ISPS Code?
What are the latest data/information on the implementation of the
requirements of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code?
What about compliance?
What has changed since 1 July 2004?
What does implementing the ISPS Code involve?
Will the new security measures be effective?
What would happen to ships if they do not comply with the ISPS Code
requirements and if they do not have the Certificate?
What would happen to ships, having visited ports where the ISPS Code is
not implemented properly, when they intend to enter ports where the
ISPS Code is implemented vigorously?

How can I find out if a ship or port is compliant?

What are major security concerns and potential threats? Are they real or
imaginary?
What additional/specific security measures and actions would be required a
t local/regional level to further raise the
defence against threats?
Will the new security measures imposed after 1 July 2004 will help redu
ce the piracy and armed robbery incidents?
What are the security concerns and potential threats to oil tankers naviga
ting in narrow straits?
How will the code specifically affect ports and shipping in different regio
ns of the world?
Do these measures go far enough for port and shipping security?
Who has to implement the ISPS Code?
What penalties will there be on any Governments who do not ensure com
pliance with the ISPS Code?
What guidelines are there for dealing with ships/ports that are not compli
ant after 1 July 2004?
Why isn't the IMO directly responsible for the ISPS code and its implemen

Why did the IMO leave so much of ISPS open to interpretations?

What about the issue of master as a ship security officer?
What has IMO done to help developing countries implement the ISPS Co
de?
Which maritime security model courses are available?
What led to the development of the ISPS Code?
What maritime security measures existed before the ISPS Code and oth
er measures were adopted?
What issues are under discussion at the Legal Committee with a view t
o amending the SUA Convention?
What measures have been adopted in the security communication field?
What role would AIS and ship security alert system play?
Should IMO should be worried about the implications of terrorists or crim
inals using AIS derived information to target vessels?
When do ordinary container ships and ro/ros have to fit AIS?
What is the current situation at WCO in relation to container security?
What about seafarers identification documents?