Introduction to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (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. It is a part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (1974/1988) and was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in December 2002. The ISPS Code came into force on 1st July 2004 and has since been a critical component in ensuring maritime security.
Objectives of the ISPS Code
The fundamental objectives of the ISPS Code are to establish an international framework involving cooperation between Governments, Government agencies, local administrations, and the shipping and port industries. This framework aims to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade. The ISPS Code also aims to:
- Establish roles and responsibilities at the national and international levels for ensuring maritime security.
- Collect and assess security information.
- Provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and procedures to react to changing security levels.
Key Requirements of the ISPS Code
The ISPS Code consists of two parts – Part A and Part B. Part A provides mandatory requirements, while Part B gives guidance for implementation. Some of the key requirements include:
- Ships and port facilities to conduct periodic security assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
- The development of security plans based on the assessments.
- Appointment of ship security officer (SSO) and port facility security officers (PFSO) responsible for the security of their respective entities.
- Implementation of various security levels ranging from normal to high, depending on the risk level.
- Training and drills to ensure preparedness for all personnel involved in ship or port operations.
Implementation and Compliance
Compliance with the ISPS Code is mandatory for ships engaged in international voyages, including passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 GT (Gross Tonnage) and upwards, and mobile offshore drilling units, as well as the port facilities serving such ships. The responsibility for the implementation of the ISPS Code lies with the Administrations of the flag States for ships and with the Contracting Governments for port facilities. The Code requires that ships be issued with a Ship Security Certificate (SSC) and that port facilities have an approved Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP).
Ships and port facilities are subject to security inspections and audits to ensure compliance with the Code. These inspections are usually carried out by officers authorized by flag State administrations and by port State control for ships, and by designated authorities for port facilities. Non-compliance can lead to detention of ships, expulsion from port, or other penalties.
The Role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO plays a pivotal role in the implementation and monitoring of the ISPS Code. Besides its initial development and adoption, the IMO continues to facilitate training, workshops, and guidance to member states and the maritime industry for effective implementation and compliance with the Code. It also conducts periodic reviews and updates the Code as necessary to address emerging maritime security threats and challenges.
Through its comprehensive approach, the ISPS Code serves as a global standard for the security of ships and port facilities, aiming to minimize the risk of security incidents and enhance the safety and security of international maritime trade.
