ISPS - International Ship & Port Security

Question 1

ISPS - How do we comply with the ISPS Code?

Answer 1

• 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!

Question 2

ISPS - What does the ISPS Manual consist of? (Security Plan)

Answer 2

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
\+ Flag State 

• Part 2: Published
  + Familiarisation of crew
  + Training - Drills every 3 months - Exercise every 12 months
  + Procedures - MARSEC Levels

Question 3

ISPS - What are the security Measures at MARSEC Level 1?

Answer 3

Level 1 = Normal 
\+ Limit access points
\+ Gangway watch 
\+ ID checks 
\+ Bag search 25% 
\+ Regular Rounds on deck 
\+ Stores / spares check 25%

Question 4

ISM - What are the security measures at MARSEC Level 2?

Answer 4

Level 2 = Heightened Level of Security 
\+ Limit access points
\+ Gangway watch 
\+ ID Check 
\+ Bag Search 75%
\+ 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

Question 5

ISPS - What are the security measures at MARSEC Level 3?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

ISPS - What is a deflation of security - D.O.S?

Answer 6

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 issues when:

1. When the ship is operating at a different level to the port
2. When there are known security threats to the vessel
3. When visiting a Non ISPS port
4. Ship to Ship Operations
5. If instructed by Port or Flag State

Question 7

ISPS - What Security Equipment can you expect to find onboard?

Answer 7

Bridge:
+ SSA (2) - Ship Security Alert System
+ LRIT - Long range identification tracking system >300GT (SRC)
- Sends out position and time every 6 hours (4x daily) to flag state
+ A.I.S

Other: 
\+ Scanners 
\+ Pressure pads / Lasers 
\+ X-ray machines 
\+ CCTV
\+ Access Control

Question 8

ISPS - What are the security training requirements?

Answer 8

1. Security Awareness - All crew
2. Designated Security Duties - Any crew member with a security related duty
3. Ships Security Officer - SSO
4. Drills to be carried out every 6 months (Stowaway, bomb threat etc)
5. SSA test every 3 months

Question 9

ISPS - What security alerts must be reported to Flag - MCA?

Answer 9

You MUST contact the MCA for any of the following:
+ Bombs or explosives found
+ Guns or firearms found
+ Stowaways

Question 10

ISPS - What must be reported to the PFSO and SSO?

Answer 10

+ Suspicious packages ashore

+ Suspicious behaviour of persons ashore

Question 11

ISPS - What would you do if you find a stowaway onboard?

Answer 11

+ Approach situation cautiously, inform other crew
+ 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

MGN70(M) - Guidelines on the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases / IMO Resolution A.871(20)