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What is the ISPS Code?

• The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (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.
• The ISPS Code is implemented through chapter XI-2 Special measures to
enhance maritime security in the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea (SOLAS). The Code has two parts, one mandatory and one
recommendatory.
• In essence, the Code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships
and port facilities is a risk management activity and that, to determine
what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must
be made in each particular case.
• The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardised, consistent framework for
evaluating risk, enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in
vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate
security levels and corresponding security measures.

The main objectives of the ISPS Code include:


• 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
What are the different security levels referred
to in the ISPS Code?
• 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.
What are the different security levels referred
to in the ISPS Code?
• 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 security incident is probable or
imminent. Security level 3 should only be set for the duration of the
identified security threat or actual security incident. While the security levels
may change from security level 1, through security level 2 to security level 3,
it is also possible that the security levels will change directly from security
level 1 to security level 3.
Are all IMO Member States obliged to comply
with the ISPS Code?
• No. Only States who are Contracting Governments to SOLAS have a
legal obligation to comply with the requirements of the ISPS Code and
to submit information to IMO.
What would happen to ships if they do not comply
with the ISPS Code requirements and if they do not
have the Certificate?
• In simple terms, if a ship does not have a valid certificate that ship
may be detained in port until it gets a certificate. Of course, the port
State has various other options available at its disposal if a ship does
not have a certificate. It may expel the ship from port, it may refuse
the entry of the ship into port, it may curtail the operations of the
ship. In effect the measures which are in place have been designed in
such a way to ensure that those ships which do not have certificates
find themselves out of the market in the shortest possible time.
Who has to implement the ISPS Code?
• It is for the SOLAS Contracting Governments to implement the measures -
detailed implementation of the Code is a matter for individual national
governments.
• We are all aware of the changing world around us and the threat to the
maritime industry as demonstrated by the attacks on maritime
infrastructure which have taken place. We cannot afford to be complacent.
• The ISPS Code was adopted in December 2002 - but IMO had already
initiated its regional awareness seminars - seven regional seminars during
2002 - so the idea of security was out there. Although all parties concerned
knew that the time frame was very tight, the industry and Governments
had sufficient time to prepare. There is no leeway in SOLAS for extensions
of the deadline.
Where can I get a copy of the ISPS Code?
• You can get the ISPS Code from IMO Publications in www.imo.org

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