Tag: ISPS Code

During the 2021 SAFETY4SEA Virtual Forum, Panel 4 discussed about maritime piracy in the era of COVID-19.

PSC Regimes use the Deficiency Category Areas in order to categorize the marked deficiencies during inspections. Although all PSC Regimes (MoUs and USCG) have a category for ISPS related deficiencies, USCG is the only regime which conducts independent Security Inspections almost same number with Safety Inspections.

In light of the recent increase of pirate activity in the Gulf of Guinea and in the waters under Gabonese jurisdiction, the Gabonese Authorities decided to raise the ISPS Security Level for Gabonese waters and ports from MARSEC Level 1 to MARSEC Level 2, until further notice.

After the 9/11 attacks that changed the world, IMO requires every ship above 500 GT sailing the world’s oceans to have a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) to enhance security. Have you ever wondered what this system is and how it works?

The Ministry of Communications in the state of Kuwait’s issued a Ministry Resolution increasing the ISPS level for all ports  within Kuwait to ISPS L2. Although many incidents had been occurred before, the 9/11 attack in United States triggered the development of ISPS Code.

This time, our special column, in association with The North of England P&I Club, sheds focus on ISPS Code asking industry experts whether the code itself can enhance maritime security against modern security threats such as cargo theft and terrorism.

​During its meeting in London on 15-19 July, the Council of the IMO condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman, with IMO Secretary General urging all Member States to shed efforts to ensure maritime security in the region. 

ISPS Code requires from a shipping organization to conduct security internal audits in an effort to monitor and assess the level of managed vessels’ compatibility to security regulations and the effectiveness of the implemented Ship Security Plan.

From 1st April 2018, all companies operators and ROs acting o behalf of the Panama Maritime Administration must follow certain procedures to conduct verification audit process. This aims to ensure the correct implementation and certification of the ISPS Code on board Panamanian flagged ships, operating in international waters.

According to the ISPS Code, it is a requirement for all vessels to have a Ship Security Plan (SSP) on board including all protective measures that the crew should apply at each security level. Also, SSP should demonstrate the restricted areas and provide guidelines for an effective implementation of the Code, with Risk Assessment forms and checklists to be used by key personnel during several activities on board.