Security / ISPS Code

Question 1

What are the objectives of the ISPS Code?

Answer 1

1. Establish a framework between national and international agencies and the maritime industry to detect security threats and prevent security incidents affecting ships and ports used in International trade
2. Establish roles and responsibilities between national and international agencies for ensuring maritime security

3, Ensure early and efficient collection and exchange of security related information

4. Provide a methodology for security assessments and produce plans and procedures to react to changing security levels
5. Ensure confidence that adequate and proportional maritime security measures are in place

Question 2

What are the functional requirements of the ISPS Code?

Answer 2

1. Gather, assess and share security information appropriately
2. Maintain communication protocols between ships and port facilities
3. Prevent unauthorized access to ships, port facilities and their restricted areas
4. Prevent introduction of unauthorized weapons, incendiary devices or explosives to ships or port facilities
5. Means of raising the alarm due to security threats or incident
6. Provide ship and port facility plans based on security assessments
7. Require training, drills and exercises to familiarise with security plans and procedures

Question 3

Who does the ISPS code apply to?

Answer 3

1. Passenger ships on international voyages
2. Cargo ships above 500GT on international voyages
3. Mobile Offshore Drilling Units
4. Port facilities serving ships on international voyages

UK
Class A domestic passenger ships
Domestic ships with > 250 passengers and domestic tankers

Question 4

What is a declaration of security?

Answer 4

A shared document between the ship and shore facility detailing security requirements and the responsibility for each

Question 5

Who completes the declaration of security?

Answer 5

The Master or SSO and the PFSO

Question 6

When can a ship request a declaration of security?

Answer 6

1. When the ship is operating at a higher security level than the port
2. A declaration of security agreement exists between governments
3. A security threat exists involving the ship or the port facility
4. The ship is at a port not required to have a security plan
5. Ship to ship operations with a ship not required to have a security plan

Question 7

What are the requirements of the ship security plan?

Answer 7

1. Ensure performance of all ship security duties
2. Control access to the ship
3. Control embarkation of persons and their effects
4. Monitor restricted areas
5. Monitor deck areas and areas surrounding the ship
6. Supervise cargo and stores handling
7. Ensure security communication is available

Question 8

Who can view the ship security plan?

Answer 8

The Master, the SSO, the CSO and persons carrying out ISPS audits only.

Question 9

How is ISPS surveyed?

Answer 9

Initial survey
Intermediate survey
Renewal survey

An International Ship Security Certificate issued valid for 5 years

Question 10

Can a ship have a lower security level than the port it is visiting?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

What are the main recommended actions for maintaining security in level 1?

Answer 11

1. ID check of all persons boarding and request a reason for their visit
2. Make a secure area available for searches
3. Random searches for vehicles boarding the vessel
4. Identify access points which should be marked, secured and/or attended
5. Provide a security briefing to the crew
6. Check all cargo loaded matches documentation
7. Check cargo seals are intact
8. Inspect cargo ready for loading
9. Check stores match the stores order and check documentation
10. Immediately stow stores in a secure place
11. Provide sufficient lighting
12. Provide watchkeepers and watchmen on patrol
13. Monitor surveillance equipment and alarm systems

Question 12

What additional security measures are used in level 2?

Answer 12

1. Increased frequency of searches
2. Visitors escorted around the ship
3. Limited access points
4. Increased checks of cargo and stores. Check before loading on the ship
5. Increased deck patrols
6. Increased personnel/ extra lookouts
7. Additional lighting

Question 13

What additional security measures are used in level 3?

Answer 13

1. Lockdown to essential visitors only
2. Suspend cargo operations
3. Suspend stores loading
4. Prepare for vessel search/underwater search of the ship

Question 14

When are security drills completed?

Answer 14

Every 3 months

If more than 25% of crew change and have not completed a security drill within 3 months, complete a drill within 1 week.

Question 15

What is the SSAS and where is it found?

Answer 15

Ship security alert system. Required for all ISPS ships and must be capable of being operated from the bridge and one other location.