The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has observed a troubling rise in ISPS Code-related detentions due to recurring non-compliance issues.
Specifically, deficiencies relating to control of ship access, log keeping, and frequency of security drills have been noted. These deficiencies have led to ships being detained within different Port State Control (PSC) Memoranda of Understanding. Most of these detentions were easily preventable by proper and effective implementation of the Ship Security Plan (SSP).
Detainable Deficiencies
Below is a summary of recent ISPS Code detentions which could have been easily prevented had the ship fully complied with the onboard SSP:
- January 2024: a bulk carrier was detained in Klaipeda, Lithuania because the gangway watch was not present when PSC Officers arrived.
- May 2024: a bulk carrier was detained in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States (US) when the gangway watch failed to ask visitors for identification and failed to complete the visitors log (as required by the SSP); and
- August 2024: a bulk carrier was detained in New Orleans, Louisiana, US when a PSC Officer found that a security drill had not been conducted within the
previous three months.
Measures
Owners, Operators, Company Security Officers (CSOs), Masters, and designated Ship Security Officers (SSO) must be proactive in assessing the effectiveness and the implementation of the SSP and daily security practices onboard.
CSOs and SSOs are reminded to:
- ensure gangway watchstanders are sufficiently trained, training is properly logged, and are in place as required by the SSP.
- verify gangway watchstanders require all visitors, regardless of the purpose of the visit, present proper identification and inspect baggage according to the current maritime security level of the port (as required by the SSP).
- thoroughly review during internal ISPS Code audits the onboard security logs and the security practices, ensuring they are compliant with the SSP.
- review security procedures with all crewmembers on a regular basis and conduct frequent walk-throughs to ensure procedures are being followed.
