ISPS - International Ship & Port Security Flashcards
ISPS - What is it and how do we comply with the ISPS Code?
Applies to all passenger ships, all cargo ships >500GT and over
Entered into force in 2004 - under SOLAS CH XI-2
- Came about due to various security incidents including the bombing of USS Cole in 2000 and 9/11 in 2001
Main objectives:
M - Monitoring People and Cargo coming onto the ship and port facilities (unaccompanied baggage)
A - Access control of unauthorised persons on ships and port facilities
I - Inspecting all stores, packages and persons
D - Detecting risks and security threats
S - Security levels to harmonise ship/shore integration
O - Officials (SSP, CSO, PFSO)
C - Collecting information and broadcasting amongst signatory member states.
Part A is mandatory and Part B describes how to comply with part A
- We comply with it through means of the ship security plan
- Security plan is written by the company after a ships security assessment
- The plan is written with reference to:
+ International conventions / regulations (SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (Enhance Security)
+ Flag state requirements
+ Insurance requirements
+ MCA Guidance - A vessels security plan must be approved by Flag State!
DfT issues Marsec Level changes to MCA. MCA is responsible to DfT to implement the ISPS code, undertake inspections and audit/approve training provides for SSO/CSO courses.
Masters discretion
Under the ISPS code (SOLAS) the Master shall not be constrained by anyone in taking or executing any decision which, in my professional judgement is necessary to maintain the safety and security of the ship.
Master’s overriding authority is enshrined in the the SSP.
ISPS - What does the SSP consist of?
It consist of two parts:
- Part 1: Not published (controlled document - secret information) Port state has no right to view it, it details secret phrases used during attacked of piracy etc.
Detailed only know by:
+ C.S.O (Company Security officer)
+ Master
+ SSO
+Port state may look at certain sections in an exceptional circumstances if approved by Flag State or Master where they believe non-compliance with the ISPS code. - Part 2: Published
+ Familiarisation of crew
+ Training - Drills every 3 months - Exercise every 12 months
+ Procedures - MARSEC Levels
-Measures for prevention of unauthorised access
-Procedures for responding to threats
-Procedures for training, drills and exercises
-Duties for shipboard personel assigned security duties
-Procedures for interfacing with port facilities
-Identification of SSO
ISPS - What are the security Measures at MARSEC Level 1?
Level 1 = Normal
+ Limit access points
+ Gangway watch
+ ID checks
+ Bag search 25%
+ Regular Rounds on deck
+ Stores / spares check 25%
ISM - What are the security measures at MARSEC Level 2?
Level 2 = Heightened Level of Security
+ Limit access points
+ Gangway watch
+ ID Check
+ Bag Search 100%
+ Continuous rounds of deck
+ Stores / Spares checked 100%
+ Additional security briefings to the ship’s personnel to with emphasis in relation to the security level
ISPS - What are the security measures at MARSEC Level 3?
Level 3 = Extreme
+ Limit access to a single, controlled access point
+ Access only given to authorised personnel / those responding to security incident
+ Suspension of embarkation / debarkation
+ If required, evacuation of ship
+ No Stores to be accepted unless emergency
+ Continuous watch all around deck
+ Prepare for a full or partial search of the ship
+ Depart port?
ISPS - What is a Declaration of security - D.O.S?
D.O.S (Declaration of Security)
+ It is an agreement between the vessel and the port to decide who is responsible for security tasks
D.O.S is issued when:
- When the ship is operating at a different level to the port
- When there are known security threats to the vessel
- When visiting a Non ISPS port
- Ship to Ship Operations
- If instructed by Port or Flag State
ISPS - What Security Equipment can you expect to find onboard?
Bridge:
+ SSAS (2) - Ship Security Alert System
+ LRIT - Long range identification tracking system >300GT (SRC)
- Sends out identity, position and time every 6 hours (4x daily) to flag state
- Introduced in 2006
Usually piggybacks onto the Sat C terminal or can have its own standalone antenna/hardware
+ A.I.S
Other:
+ Scanners
+ Pressure pads / Lasers
+ X-ray machines
+ CCTV
+ Access Control
ISPS - What are the security training requirements?
- Security Awareness - All crew STCW
- Prof. Designated Security Duties - Any crew member with a security related duty
- Ships Security Officer - SSO
- Drills to be carried out every 3 months (Stowaway, bomb threat, increase in Marsec Level, Piracy etc) or if 25% of crew change
- SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) test every 6 months
ISPS - What must be reported to the PFSO and SSO?
What must be reported to Flag State?
+ Suspicious packages ashore
+ Suspicious behaviour of persons ashore
+ Piracy incidents / Stowaways / Serious security breaches
ISPS - What would you do if you find a stowaway onboard?
+ Approach situation cautiously, inform other crew
-make every effort to immediately determine the port of embarkation of the stowaway
+ Establish Identity and Nationality
+ Work out where they boarded / how?
+ Feed and water them
+ Notify Flag State, Company, Previous and Next Port
+ Can place under lock and key if a threat to crew or vessel
+ Take appropriate measures to ensure the security, general health, welfare and safety of the stowaway until disembarkation.
+ Contact insurance P&I as they will be footing the bill of any legal costs
+ Proceed to next PoC
+ Log in OLB / review SSP
+ Investigation into how the stowaway came onboard - Review SSP measures
MGN70(M) - Guidelines on the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases
If operating in HRAs
-Risk assessment
-Additional security training
-Routing and Delaying anchoring
-Watchkeeping and Vigilance
-Ship communications
-CCTV
-Armed Guards
-High speed where possible
-Evasive Manoeuvring and use of hoses
-Use of distrss flares
-Use of conveys transiting high risk areas
-Registering with relevant Naval Taskforces such as the one off the Horn of Africa.
-Contact UKMTO (UK maritime trade operations) if suspicious activity spotted
SSO duties
-Undertake regular security inspections
-Maintain security equipment
-Enhance securtity awareness onboard
-Ensure adequate training is provided
-Report all security incidents
-Propose modifications to the SSP
SSAS
Ships Security Alert System
Used to alert flag state authorities about a security threat or incident. When the button is pressed the ship’s owner, management company or SSAS management third party set up by the SSAS is alerted and this is transmitted to the Flag State authority to alert them the ship’s safety has been compromised.
Tested every 6 months.
