ISPS

Question 1

What is the purpose of the ISPS code?

Answer 1

Entered into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has since formed the basis for a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping. The Code is divided into two sections:
Part A (mandatory): Outlines maritime and security requirements for Governments, Port Authorities and shipping comanpies
Part B: Guidance on how to meet the requirements of Part A

The main objectives of the ISPS code:
- To control the access of unauthorised persons onboard or inside any port
- To monitor the activity of people and cargo operations in order to detect the different securty threats onboard a vessel and in port
- Establish security levels onboard a ship and functions and responsibilities at each level
- Implement roles and responsibilities for Port facility security officers, company security officers and ship security officers to tackle maritime security threats at an international level
- Collect and exchange data with all relevant parties relating to maritime security

Question 2

Masters discretion

Answer 2

The Master shall not be constrained by the Company, the charterer or any other person from taking or executing any decision which, in the professional judgement of the Master, is necessary to maintain the safety and security of the ship. This includes denial of access to persons (except those identified as duly authorised by a Contracting Government) or their effects and refusal to load cargo, including containers or other closed cargo transport units.

Question 3

Obligations of the company

Answer 3

The Company shall establish in the ship security plan that the Master has the overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions with
respect to the safety and security of the ship and to request the assistance of the Company or of any Contracting Government as may be necessary.

Question 4

Guidance for piracy

Answer 4

• Risk assessment
• Fly non essential personnel
• Counter piracy plan
• Routing and delaying anchoring
• Ship communications
• Lighting
• Hardening the vessel
• Drills
• Onboard security
• Military escorts
• Secure areas (citadels)
• CCTV
• Evasive manoeuvres
• Fire hoses
• Use of distress flares
• Insurance considerations

Question 5

Stowaway actions

Answer 5

• Ensure the safety of the crew and vessel - search for weapons, contain to an area
• Determine the port of embarkation of the stowaway
• Establish the identity and nationality
• Prepare a statement containing all information relevant to the stowaway to present to relevant authorities
• Notifiy existence and relevant details to owner/DPA
• Not to depart from planned voyage for disembarkation
• Ensure stowaway is presented to the relevant authorities upon arrival to next port
• Ensure the security, general health, welfare and safety of the stowaway

Question 5

Security Levels

Answer 5

Set by Flag State

Level 1 - Standard operation:
- Ensure performance of all security duties
- Control access to the ship
- Controlling the embarkation of persons and their effects
- Monitoring Restricted Areas
- Monitoring of deck areas and areas surrounding the ship
- Supervising handling of cargo and ships stores

Level 2 - Heightened:
- Limit access to one point of entry
- Patrol decks
- Increase search frequency of persons and effects
- Manned gangway

Level 3 - Exceptional:
- Only authorised personnel onboard
- Vessel secured
- Search all personnel and effects

Question 6

Ship security assessment

Answer 6

Company security officer should ensure that the ship security assessment is carried out by persons with the appropriate skills.
Includes:
- Identification of existing security measures, procedures and operations
- Identification of key shipboard operations that are important to protect and possible threats to these operations.
- Identification of weaknesses including human factors in the infrastructure, policies and procedures

Question 7

What is contained in a Ship Security Plan

Answer 7

Two parts - generic, and secure part - kept in the safe
- Measures designed to prevent weapons, substances and devices from being brought onboard the ship
- Identification of restricted areas
- Measures to prevent unauthorised access to the ship
- Procedures for responding to security threats
- Procedures for responding to security instructions from Government agencies at security level 3
- Procedures for evacuation
- Duties of shipboard personnel assinged security responsibilities
- Procedures for training, drills and exercises
- Identification of the SSO and CSO including their contact details
- Location of SSAS activation points

Question 8

Ship Security Officer

Answer 8

• Regular security inspections of the ship
• Implementation of the ship security plan
• Coording security aspects of cargo, ships cargo etc
• Reporting to the CSO of any deficiencies and non conformities arising from audits, inspections etc
• Enhancing security awareness and vigilance onboard
• Adequate training provided to onboard personnel
• Reporting all security incidents

Question 9

Drills and exercises

Answer 9

Every 3 months
- Full scale/live
- Table top
- Combined with shore side facilities

Question 10

SSAS

Answer 10

Ship Security Alert System
When activated, will send a security alert to a competent authority, and company/DPA if required
- Should not transmit to any other ships
- Raise any alarm on the vessel
- Continue the alert until deactivated or reset
- Activated from the bridge and one other place

Question 11

Declaration of Security

Answer 11

Declaration between the ship and the port facility and will state who is responsible for each security activity.

It will be completed when:
- The ship is operating at a higher security level than the port facility
- Entering a non ISPS compliant port

Question 12

ISPS Surveys

Answer 12

• Access control procedures are being implemented and those involved are familiar with their duties
• SSP and related records are protected from unauthorised access
• Relevant officers are aware of the parts of the SSP they are allowed access to
• Security level is set correctly and port authorities are aware of the current level
• Ships stores are checked on receipt and swotwed promptly
• All security equipment is maintained, calibrated and tested
• Drills are carried out regularly
• Restricted areas clearly identified and marked
• Searched carried out in accordance with security level set
• SSAS is operational and record of tests available