Tag: 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.

As an act to defeat one of the most challenging dangers of nowadays, IMO, under SOLAS Convention Chapter XI-2, developed the International Ship and Port Facility Code – the ISPS Code, a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.

The 42nd session of IMO's Facilitation Committee took place from 5 to 8 June, focusing on work to the facilitation of international maritime traffic. Data standardisation, single window system, stowaways, maritime corruption were, inter alia, key items on this year's agenda.

In its PSC annual report for 2017, the USCG presented its MTSA Security Compliance Targeting Matrix. Introduced in 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act is the US implementation of the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and aims to address port and waterway security.

USCG announced it is modifying the conditions of entry for vessels arriving in the US from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire by adding an exemption for two facilities: Carena Shipyard and Terminal A Containers, Abidjan, starting from 3 January 2018.

The amendments to FAL Convention have entered into force globally from 1st January 2018,  to strengthen seafarers' rights to shore leave and to achieve the smooth transit in ports of ships, cargo and passengers.