Overview of ISPS Code

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is part of SOLAS Chapter XI-2, focusing on enhancing maritime security. It applies to:

1. Passenger ships and high-speed passenger craft
2. Cargo ships and high-speed craft of 500 GT and upwards

The code consists of two parts:

1. Part A: Mandatory Provisions
2. Part B: Recommended Provisions

Objectives of ISPS Code

1. Detect and assess security threats
2. Establish cooperation between various entities
3. Define roles and responsibilities
4. Facilitate efficient information exchange
5. Prevent terrorist threats to ships and port facilities
6. Implement security levels and assessment methods
7. Prevent unauthorized access

Security Levels

ISPS Code defines three security levels:

1. MARSEC Level 1: Normal operations
2. MARSEC Level 2: Heightened risk
3. MARSEC Level 3: Probable or imminent risk

Key Components

Ship Security Assessment (SSA)

1. Risk assessment for ship security
2. Basis for developing Ship Security Plan

Ship Security Plan (SSP)

1. Protects crew, passengers, cargo, and ship safety
2. Approved by Flag State or Recognized Security Organization (RSO)
3. Includes measures for weapons prevention, restricted areas, and security procedures

Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)

1. Protects port facilities, ships, cargo, and operations

Key Personnel

1. Ship Security Officer (SSO): Responsible for ship’s security
2. Company Security Officer (CSO): Ensures SSP implementation
3. Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Manages port facility security

Important Documents

1. Declaration of Security (DOS): Agreement between ship and shore on security measures
2. International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC): Issued after verification, valid for up to 5 years

Security Drills and Exercises

1. Drills: Conducted at least every 3 months
2. Exercises: Carried out annually, testing communication and response

Security Systems

Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

1. Required for ships 500 GT and above
2. Minimum two activation buttons
3. Transmits ship-to-shore security alert

Automatic Identification System (AIS)

1. Required for ships 300 GT and above
2. Transmits and receives ship information

Long Range Identification & Tracking (LRIT)

1. Applies to passenger ships, high-speed craft, and cargo ships 300 GT and above
2. Reports ship location at least 4 times daily

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)

1. Records data from various ship sensors
2. Stores last 24 hours of data for investigations

Citadel

1. Secure room for crew protection
2. Located in ship’s center or engine room
3. Equipped with communication systems, food, water, and essential controls

ISPS code – memory techniques

ISPS Overview: “SOLAS XI-2”

Security measures for Ships and Ports
Objectives: Detect threats, establish cooperation, define roles
Levels of security: 3 (MARSEC 1, 2, 3)
Applies to: Passenger ships, cargo ships 500 GT and up
Structure: Part A (Mandatory) and Part B (Recommended)

Key Components: “PASS-PC”

Plans: SSP (Ship Security Plan), PFSP (Port Facility Security Plan)
Assessment: SSA (Ship Security Assessment)
Security Officers: SSO, CSO, PFSO
Systems: SSAS, AIS, LRIT, VDR
Paperwork: DOS (Declaration of Security), ISSC (International Ship Security Certificate)
Citadel: Secure room for crew protection

Security Levels: “NHE”

Normal (MARSEC 1): Routine operations
Heightened (MARSEC 2): Increased risk
Exceptional (MARSEC 3): Imminent threat

Remember “DRILL” for Security Measures:

Detect and assess threats
Restrict access to ships and port facilities
Implement security procedures
Liaise with authorities and exchange information
Level-specific actions (1, 2, 3)

Key Personnel: “SCP”

Ship Security Officer (SSO)
Company Security Officer (CSO)
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

Security Systems: “SALV”

SSAS: Ship Security Alert System (500 GT and above)
AIS: Automatic Identification System (300 GT and above)
LRIT: Long Range Identification & Tracking
VDR: Voyage Data Recorder

Citadel Essentials: “SAFE ROOM”

Secure location (ship’s center or engine room)
Access control (thick metal door, password protection)
Food and water (48-hour supply)
Equipment (communication systems, CCTV, controls)

Restricted areas protection
Overall ship security enhancement
Ongoing drills and exercises
Maintenance of security measures