The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) was initiated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in December 2002 for implementation by 01^st July 2004 through Chapter XI-2 (Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security) of the International Conference for the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS)

It is, in essence, a comprehensive set of measures designed to enhance the security of ships and port facilities against the perceived threat of terrorist attacks. It is a two-piece set of legislation describing minimum requirements. Part A provides mandatory requirements while Part B gives guidance in its implementation.

The security of Ships and port facilities is a Risk management activity and it follows therefore that the reduction/elimination in the source of threat is of paramount importance.

In order to determine what security measures are appropriate, Governments must assess the threat and evaluate the risk of a potential unlawful act.

Because each ship and each port facility is subject to different threats, the method by which they will meet the specific requirements of this ISPS Code will be determined and eventually be approved by the Administration or Contracting Government, as the case may be.

In order to communicate the threat at a port facility or for a ship and to initiate the appropriate response actions the Contracting Government must set the appropriate security level. The security level creates a link between the ship and the port facility, since it triggers the implementation of appropriate security measures for the ship and for the port facility. If the flag state of a ship discharging/loading at say a UK port facility instructs that ship to raise its Security Level then the Port should raise their level accordingly.

As threat increases, the only logical counteraction is to reduce vulnerability. This ISPS Code provides several ways to reduce vulnerabilities. Each ship and each port facility will have to determine the measures needed to intensify its security measures to appropriately offset the threat by reducing its vulnerability.