Maritime security using ISPS code

The International Maritime Organisation aims to establish maritime security using the ISPS Code to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. The ISPS code plays a crucial role in safeguarding the maritime industry and preventing acts of terrorism or other malicious activities that could impact the safety and security of ships, crew, passengers, and port facilities. Compliance with the ISPS Code is mandatory, and ships and port facilities are subject to audits to verify their adherence to the security measures outlined in the code. Let us learn more about maritime security using the ISPS code.

What is the maritime security ISPS Code?

The ISPS code in maritime stands for International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS). Using the ISPS code in the international maritime security framework helps ensure ships’ safety on the voyage. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and adopted in 2004, the ISPS code aims to protect the maritime industry by prescribing laws and regulations to the port authorities, government, shipping companies and seafarers. Before the international ship and port facility security code, the SOLAS (safety of life at sea) convention was implemented, laying safety standards for workers’ lives at sea. The ISPS Code had to be adopted as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA that imposed threats to the sailing ships and port facilities. It is an anti-terrorism regulation under the SOLAS convention that helps ensure maritime safety. The set of measures and regulations coined by the IMO are meant to be followed by all responsible bodies for international shipping.

Use of ISPS code in maritime

Ships and port stations are exposed to various types of risks which need to be addressed and resolved. The ISPS code in maritime is used for the following reasons-

1. Framework for cooperation- All these private and government organisations must work in unison to resolve the threats. The ISPS code highlights responsibilities and guidelines for the government, local authorities, shipping lines, and port industries to detect and assess security threats.
2. Assessment of security risks- There are three security levels in the ISPS code for different degrees of emergency. The guidelines prescribed for the ISPS code under the SOLAS Convention help conduct security assessments of ships and port facilities to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
3. Develop and implement security plans- Upon identifying risks and their security breach level, there must be a proper action plan. The ISPS code is responsible for developing and implementing ship security plans (SSP) for ships and port facility security plans (PFSP) for port facilities. These plans aim to outline specific security measures to be taken to address identified risks and vulnerabilities.
4. Ensure continuous monitoring — As maritime threats and security concerns change, the ISPS code helps review and update security plans to adapt to changing security conditions.
5. Provide security training- The crew on the ship and workers at port stations must be trained to address and act in emergencies to curb any risks, such as piracy, cybersecurity threats, or terrorism. ISPS code is a guide that offers directions for training personnel responsible for implementing security measures. Authorities may conduct regular security drills and exercises to test and improve the effectiveness of security plans. It is also essential under the SOLAS convention.
6. Enhance communication- The ISPS code facilitates and improves communication and information-sharing between responsible authorities and shipping parties, including ships, port facilities, and government authorities. Real-time data sharing is essential to identify and address risks promptly.

Benefits of ISPS code in maritime

The advantages of the ISPS code in maritime shipping are as follows-

1. Improves security- The ISPS Code promotes awareness about all potential security risks that may affect maritime shipping. This way, stakeholders in the maritime sector, including ship operators, port authorities, and relevant government agencies, can promptly address and take required measures to enhance safety. While security level 1, according to the ISPS code, is always applicable, security levels 2 & 3 are used to resolve specific security threats.
2. Risk assessment- Developing contingency plans using the ISPS code is vital to maritime security. Security assessments conducted under the ISPS Code help identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, allowing for the development and implementation of targeted security measures to manage and mitigate these risks.
3. Preparing for emergencies — Different maritime threats have different outcomes; some are more hostile, while others are less hostile. The ISPS Code requires that security plans include procedures for responding to security incidents and emergencies. This ensures that ships and port facilities are adequately prepared to handle and manage security-related crises beforehand.
4. Deterrence of maritime threats- Port safety hazards such as cyber threats, national risks, including smuggling and human trafficking, and shipping risks, including terrorism and piracy, can be avoided and resolved using contingency plans. The visible implementation of security measures outlined in the ISPS Code serves as a deterrent to potential threats, decreasing the likelihood of attacks.

Governments, shipping lines, and port authorities enhance maritime security using the ISPS code to minimise and prevent maritime threats that can disrupt operations.

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