Implementation and enforcement of the ISPS Code
The Republic of the Marshall Islands issued a revised notice to provide information about the national requirements for compliance with the ISPS Code. It details the RMI Maritime Administrator’s policies and interpretations on the application, implementation and enforcement of the ISPS Code, including hardware requirements, for Companies and vessels seeking ISPS Code certification.
The RMI National requirements are not intended to be all-inclusive or to prohibit a Company from incorporating or requiring items in its Safety Management System (SMS) and Ship Security Plan (SSP) beyond those contained here.
This Notice also addresses certain amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Consolidated Edition 2014, that are relevant to ISPS Code implementation. It provides guidance to ships not in compliance or unable to comply with the ISPS Code or SOLAS requirements. This Notice makes mandatory certain recommended practices in Part B of the ISPS Code for ships operating in the United States (U.S.) and Europe.
It is important to note that in many countries, the ISPS Code is overlaid by substantive national requirements. For example, the U.S. adopted the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which was implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard through a series of publications in the Federal Register on October 22, 2003 (see 68 FR 60448 and as codified, 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 104) to protect U.S. ports and waterways from a terrorist attack by mandating compliance with the ISPS Code and with enhanced security requirements. Similarly, the European Union (EU) adopted regulations (No. 725/2004, as amended) not only to enhance security within the European Community, but to provide a harmonized interpretation of the ISPS Code by making certain recommended practices in Part B of the Code mandatory. Ships operating in counties with these additional requirements need to be aware of and in compliance with them, as applicable
In accordance with SOLAS, Chapter XI-2, Regulation 4, ships not in compliance with SOLAS or the ISPS Code or unable to comply with established security levels must notify the Administrator prior to conducting any ship/port interface or port entry This means that at the moment a ship’s Master or a Company Security Officer (CSO) becomes aware that a ship is not compliant or cannot maintain compliance, the Administrator is to be immediately advised, with details including corrective action, temporary alternative arrangements and current status.
Further details may be found by reading the Notice (please click below)
Source: RMI
