Tag: ISPS Code

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. 

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a circular to inform about updates on the instructions and procedures of the Ship Security Alert System according to SOLAS 74, as amended, highlighting that all the Panamanian flagged vessels shall be provided with a SSAS capable of transmit a security alert to a designated, competent authority when activated in an emergency situation.

The Liberian Registry has launched a Cyber and Ship Security Computer-Based Training programme, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of cyber-security issues, including concepts such as malware, network security, identity theft, risk management, and other common threats to maritime security.

A national exercise on maritime security took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on 28-29 August, IMO informed. The aim of the event was to encourage a multi-agency approach to maritime security and maritime law enforcement issues.

USCG has announced conditions of entry which will be imposed on vessels arriving in the US from the Federated States of Micronesia from 05 September 2017. These conditions of entry are intended to protect the U.S. from vessels arriving from countries that have been found to have deficient port anti-terrorism measures in place.

At the Port Security Technology conference in London, IMO stressed that economic stability and sustainable development can be driven by an integrated approach to the maritime sector, including ports, maritime security and facilitation of maritime traffic. Joined-up government policies covering the whole of the maritime sector are critical for the port sector to flourish.