The ISPS Code and who is responsible for security
1The lesson in plain words
Safety protects against accidents; security protects against deliberate harm. The ISPS Code sets security requirements for covered ships and port facilities.
Safety and security
Maritime security means protecting the ship, the people on board and the cargo from deliberate harm: terrorism, piracy, armed robbery, stowaways, smuggling and sabotage. After the attacks of 11 September 2001, the IMO added SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, in force since 1 July 2004. On ships covered by ISPS, STCW regulation VI/6 requires security training appropriate to your role; practical training belongs in your approved course.
Two parts
The ISPS Code has Part A, which is mandatory, and Part B, which gives guidance on how to meet Part A. Some flag states, and the European Union, make parts of Part B mandatory as well. The Code applies to passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage (GT, a measure of enclosed volume) or more, and mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) on international voyages, and to the port facilities that serve them.
Who is who
The Contracting Government is a state party to SOLAS; it sets security levels and approves plans. The company operates the ship, appoints security officers and supports security arrangements. Its company security officer (CSO) coordinates security ashore. The ship security officer (SSO) coordinates it on board under the master, who has overriding authority for ship safety and security. The port facility security officer (PFSO) coordinates security at the port facility.
The plan
Each ship has a ship security plan (SSP), approved by the flag state, that sets out the security measures for each security level. The plan is confidential: you will be told the parts you need for your duties, but you must not show it or talk about it to outsiders. A ship that complies carries an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC).
Silent alarm
The ship security alert system (SSAS) sends a hidden alert from the ship to shore when the ship is under threat. It makes no sound or light on board, so attackers do not know it has been used.
2Key data
- Legal basis
- SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, in force 1 July 2004
- ISPS Part A / Part B
- Part A mandatory; Part B guidance
- Ships covered
- Passenger ships, cargo ships ≥ 500 GT, MODUs, on international voyages
- STCW training
- Regulation VI/6; Code table A-VI/6-1
3Key points
- 1
Security is protection against deliberate harm; the ISPS Code has applied since 1 July 2004.
- 2
Part A is mandatory; Part B is guidance on how to meet it.
- 3
CSO ashore, SSO on board, PFSO in the port; the master has the final say.
- 4
The ship security plan is approved by the flag state and confidential.
- 5
The SSAS sends a silent alert to shore without any alarm on board.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Security is the same thing as safety.
Right: Safety deals with accidents; security deals with people who intend harm. Both are everyone's job.
Wrong: You can show the security plan to a visitor who asks politely.
Right: The SSP is confidential. Refer anyone who asks about it to the SSO or the master.
5Practice case & exam keys
In port, a friendly man in a hi-vis vest stops you on the quay. He says he is writing a report and asks where the ship's security plan is kept, how many crew stand gangway watch at night and where the SSAS buttons are.
Show the answer
Do not answer. The security plan, watch arrangements and SSAS positions are confidential. Say politely that you cannot discuss the ship's security and that he should speak to the ship security officer. Note what he looks like and report the conversation to the SSO or the officer of the watch at once.
Exam keys
- SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code, in force 1 July 2004; Part A mandatory, Part B guidance.
- CSO (company), SSO (ship), PFSO (port facility); the master has overriding authority.
- The SSP is approved by the flag state and confidential; compliant ships hold an ISSC.
- The SSAS sends a covert ship-to-shore security alert.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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