What is ISPS Code – Part 1

All of you no doubt have heard of ISPS, and all you know is that you are “paying” for it.. This article explains what ISPS actually means, what it does, and why it exists..

Why was the ISPS Code introduced under SOLAS

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the USA, the IMO decided to develop, recommend, and implement a set of security measures applicable to ships and port facilities around the world..

These measures, known as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, were incorporated into Chapter XI-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, and entered into force on 1 July 2004 to enhance maritime security globally..

Structure of the ISPS Code: Mandatory Provisions and Guidance

The Code consists of two parts: Part A, which contains mandatory provisions, and Part B, which guides implementation..

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The purpose of the ISPS Code is to :

• provide a standardised, consistent global framework across the maritime world
• this enables various countries (that have subscribed to the code) to evaluate, detect, and assess the security risks to the ships calling at their ports, and allows them to take appropriate measures to determine the security levels they must follow and the corresponding security/preventive measures to be taken
• to institute respective roles and responsibilities of all parties (governments and government agencies subscribed to the code, port administration, and the shipping and port agencies) concerned, at a global and domestic level, to ensure maritime security
• to exchange/share relevant security-related information
• and to assure shipowners that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place for their ships

As per the code, each of the entities above is required to place appropriate security officers/personnel on each ship, in each port facility, and in each shipping company to prepare and to put into effect the security plans that will be implemented..

The ISPS Code requires the appointment of key security roles, including the Company Security Officer (CSO), Ship Security Officer (SSO), and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)..

Each role has defined responsibilities for developing, maintaining, and implementing the respective security plans and ensuring coordination between the ship and the port facility..

Understanding Security Levels and Operational Implications

The ISPS Code consists of two parts & three levels of security..

The parts of the ISPS code are :

• Part A – These are the mandatory provisions adopted under SOLAS Chapter XI-2.. Part A establishes the obligations of Contracting Governments, shipping companies, and port facilities.. It requires the appointment of Company Security Officers, Ship Security Officers, and Port Facility Security Officers.. It sets out the requirements for Ship Security Plans and Port Facility Security Plans, including verification and certification procedures..
• Part B – These are guidance provisions that provide recommended measures and implementation guidance to assist Governments, companies, and port facilities in meeting the requirements of Part A..

Security levels are set by the Contracting Government in accordance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2.. Port facilities and ships are required to implement and comply with the security level communicated by the competent authority.. The security level applied at a port facility must be coordinated with ships operating at that port to ensure alignment of protective security measures..

The security levels are implemented by the local port authority under consultation with the government authorities.. The security level adopted by the port facility must be coordinated with the ship for synergy..

The three levels of ISPS security are : 

Security Level 1 – normal – this is the level at which ships and port facilities operate under normal conditions..

Minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times in accordance with the approved Ship Security Plan (SSP) and Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)..

At Security Level 1, measures typically include:

• Controlled access to the ship and port facility
• Monitoring and surveillance of restricted or “no access” areas
• Verification of the identity of persons seeking access
• Supervision of cargo handling and delivery of the ship’s stores
• Routine security patrols or inspections
• Implementation of the approved security plan procedures

These measures are maintained continuously as baseline security controls..

Security Level 2 – heightened – this level applies when there is an increased risk of a security incident..

Additional protective security measures are implemented and maintained for the duration of the elevated risk..

At Security Level 2, measures may include:

• Increased frequency of security patrols and monitoring
• Enhanced control of access points
• Restriction of access to specific areas
• Escorting visitors and stricter identification checks
• Increased supervision of cargo handling and the ship’s stores
• Preparation for partial or full search of the ship
• Execution of a Declaration of Security (DoS), where required

Security Level 2 measures are proportionate to the assessed threat and remain in effect until downgraded by the competent authority..

Security Level 3 – exceptional – this level is imposed when a security incident is probable or imminent.. Further specific protective security measures are implemented for a limited period under the direction of the competent Government authority..

At Security Level 3, measures may include:

• Restriction or suspension of cargo handling operations
• Restriction or suspension of embarkation or disembarkation
• Restriction of ship movements
• Suspension of access to all or part of the port facility
• Intensified monitoring and security patrols
• Full or partial search of the ship or port facility
• Underwater hull inspection where required
• Controlled single access point to the ship
• Preparation for evacuation of ship or port personnel
• Execution of a Declaration of Security

Operational measures at this level are directive-based and proportionate to the threat.. They may involve suspension or restriction of operations in whole or in part, depending on instructions issued by the competent authority..