ISPS code

The ISPS Code is an international regulation that obliges authorities to take measures for the security of ships and port facilities.

ISPS

Basic approach

• all parties involved in the use of ships and port facilities must work together effectively and reach consensus
• the measures that are to be taken at times of threat are stated in a security plan
• all companies that must meet the ISPS Code must have a security officer

ISPS Goals

• setting up an international framework between governments and the shipping industry
• taking preventive measures against safety incidents
• determining tasks and responsibilities for the protection of maritime safety
• having a method to assess a safety situation
• having plans and procedures available to respond to incidents
• effective exchange and collection of available and related information

Examples of safety measures

• preventing unauthorised access to ships or port facilities
• preventing illegal weapons and explosives on board ships or on port facilities
• demanding that the mandatory safety plans for ships and port facilities are based on a mandatory assessment of the safety situation
• prescribing training and practices to get all people involved familiar with the security plans

Security levels ISPS

• security level 1: basic level, always valid, maintaining a minimum of appropriate, protective security measures
• security level 2: further protective security measures for a certain period as a result of higher risk for a security incident
• security level 3: further special protective security measures for a limited time. This if a security incident is probable or imminent (though the precise reason may not be clear).

Security plan ISPS

Governments are obliged to assess and determine the level of security of ships and port facilities. On the basis of this analysis, a security plan must be laid down and measures implemented. All measures must be set down in writing, in one of the languages approved by the IMO: English, French or Spanish.

The assessment must include the following elements

• evaluation and identification of the goods, buildings and infrastructure
• identification of possible threats
• description and prioritising of measures to be taken
• identification of weaknesses in the infrastructure, policy and procedures.

This assessment must be undertaken by an authorised security organisation, and only a government has the authority to appoint these.

Parts of the security plan

• measures to prevent weapons or other dangerous goods and instruments being brought onto a port facility or on board a ship
• measures to prevent unlawful access to the port facility, ships and closed parts of the site
• procedures to be followed as a result of a security threat
• procedures for the evacuation of a port facility as a result of a security threat
• procedures for the reporting of events that affect safety
• identification of the security officer, including his/her availability 24 hours a day
• procedures for disembarking the crew, exchanging crews, visitors and representatives of seamen's trade unions

Security officer

Each port facility shall appoint a security officer.

The tasks of a security officer are:

• perform preliminary investigations on the safety situation
• implement and uphold the security plan
• implement security inspections
• recommend and implement improvements to the security plan
• train personnel
• take care of security equipment

More information?

• Port of Amsterdam, Nautical department, telephone number +31 (0)20 - 5234 759, e-mail havendienst@portofamsterdam.nl