ISPS Code Regulations

Summary

This video script outlines the importance of maritime security following the September 11th attacks. It highlights the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, introduced to protect ships and ports from terrorist threats. Key components include mandatory ship security plans, the use of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and the implementation of security levels. The script also covers the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR), ship security assessments, and the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC). It emphasizes the collaboration between international authorities to ensure safety across maritime operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The maritime industry became more vulnerable to terrorist attacks after September 11, 2001, leading to the development of the ISPS Code for enhanced security.
• 😀 The 1986 Achille Lauro terrorist attack had a major impact on the maritime industry, prompting the IMO to issue anti-piracy and hijacking advice.
• 😀 The ISPS Code, introduced after September 11, 2001, mandates security measures for ships and ports, including a ship security plan and mandatory regulations under SOLAS Chapter XI-2.
• 😀 The ISPS Code includes two parts: Part A (mandatory) and Part B (guidelines), which apply to ships of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages.
• 😀 Ships are required to have an approved ship security plan and comply with new safety regulations by July 2004, including the use of automatic identification systems (AIS).
• 😀 AIS, a crucial tool for monitoring maritime traffic, must be fitted on ships to transmit data like the ship's name, course, speed, and destination, helping authorities detect potential threats.
• 😀 A ship security alert system (SSAS) allows personnel to discreetly alert authorities in case of a terrorist attack without letting the attackers know.
• 😀 SOLAS regulations require ships to have permanent identification numbers visibly marked on the hull or superstructure and internally, as well as maintaining a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR).
• 😀 Ships are required to undergo regular security assessments, led by the company security officer, to evaluate risks, security measures, and potential threats to key operations.
• 😀 Security levels have been defined for ports to communicate the severity of security threats: Level 1 (normal), Level 2 (increasing risk), and Level 3 (imminent threat), with corresponding security measures.
• 😀 The International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is issued after verifying compliance with the ISPS Code and is periodically audited to ensure the ship's security arrangements remain adequate.

Q & A

What significant event in 2001 led to changes in maritime security regulations?

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, highlighted the vulnerability of ships to terrorist threats, prompting global changes in maritime security regulations.

What was the impact of the 1986 Achille Lauro hijacking on the maritime industry?

The 1986 Achille Lauro hijacking led to the issuance of advice on anti-piracy and hijacking measures by the IMO. Although implemented by some, it was largely ignored by the rest of the industry until the events of September 11, 2001.

What is the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)?

The ISPS Code, introduced in response to 9/11, is a set of mandatory and guideline-based regulations for enhancing maritime security, requiring ships to have a security plan and adhere to various safety measures.

What are the mandatory requirements of the ISPS Code for ships?

The ISPS Code requires ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, engaged in international voyages, to have an approved ship security plan, a ship security alert system, and to adhere to security levels and identification regulations.

How does the ISPS Code address the need for ship identification and history records?

The ISPS Code mandates that ships display their identification numbers visibly on the hull or superstructure and maintain a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR), which tracks the history and changes of the ship.

What is the role of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) under the ISPS Code?

The AIS is a device that transmits vital information about a ship, such as its name, speed, and course. It helps coastal states monitor ship traffic and detect possible threats, and its installation is mandated by the SOLAS Convention.

What is the purpose of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

The SSAS allows ships to alert authorities in the event of a terrorist attack without notifying the attackers, by sending an alarm to a competent authority ashore, which continues until deactivated.

What is the significance of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)?

The ISSC is issued by the flag state authority after verifying a ship's compliance with the ISPS Code. This certificate is crucial for port state controls and indicates the vessel's adherence to security requirements.

How are security levels defined and implemented under the ISPS Code?

Security levels are defined as Level 1 (normal risk), Level 2 (increasing risk), and Level 3 (imminent threat). The applicable security level is communicated between the ship and port, dictating the necessary security measures to be implemented.

What is the role of the Company Security Officer (CSO) in maintaining ship security?

The Company Security Officer is responsible for ensuring regular ship security assessments, which evaluate existing measures, identify threats, and establish appropriate security actions, ensuring the ship security plan is up to date and effective.