Overview of ISPS Code
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is part of SOLAS Chapter XI-2, focusing on enhancing maritime security. It applies to:- Passenger ships and high-speed passenger craft
- Cargo ships and high-speed craft of 500 GT and upwards
- Part A: Mandatory Provisions
- Part B: Recommended Provisions
Objectives of ISPS Code
- Detect and assess security threats
- Establish cooperation between various entities
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Facilitate efficient information exchange
- Prevent terrorist threats to ships and port facilities
- Implement security levels and assessment methods
- Prevent unauthorized access
Security Levels
ISPS Code defines three security levels:- MARSEC Level 1: Normal operations
- MARSEC Level 2: Heightened risk
- MARSEC Level 3: Probable or imminent risk
Key Components
Ship Security Assessment (SSA)
- Risk assessment for ship security
- Basis for developing Ship Security Plan
Ship Security Plan (SSP)
- Protects crew, passengers, cargo, and ship safety
- Approved by Flag State or Recognized Security Organization (RSO)
- Includes measures for weapons prevention, restricted areas, and security procedures
Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
Protects port facilities, ships, cargo, and operationsKey Personnel
- Ship Security Officer (SSO): Responsible for ship’s security
- Company Security Officer (CSO): Ensures SSP implementation
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Manages port facility security
Important Documents
- Declaration of Security (DOS): Agreement between ship and shore on security measures
- International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC): Issued after verification, valid for up to 5 years
Security Drills and Exercises
- Drills: Conducted at least every 3 months
- Exercises: Carried out annually, testing communication and response
Security Systems
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
- Required for ships 500 GT and above
- Minimum two activation buttons
- Transmits ship-to-shore security alert
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Required for ships 300 GT and above
- Transmits and receives ship information
Long Range Identification & Tracking (LRIT)
- Applies to passenger ships, high-speed craft, and cargo ships 300 GT and above
- Reports ship location at least 4 times daily
Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)
- Records data from various ship sensors
- Stores last 24 hours of data for investigations
Citadel
- Secure room for crew protection
- Located in ship’s center or engine room
- Equipped with communication systems, food, water, and essential controls
ISPS Code Memorization Technique:
ISPS Overview: “SOLAS XI-2”
- Security measures for Ships and Ports
- Objectives: Detect threats, establish cooperation, define roles
- Levels of security: 3 (MARSEC 1, 2, 3)
- Applies to: Passenger ships, cargo ships 500 GT and up
- Structure: Part A (Mandatory) and Part B (Recommended)
Key Components: “PASS-PC”
- Plans: SSP (Ship Security Plan), PFSP (Port Facility Security Plan)
- Assessment: SSA (Ship Security Assessment)
- Security Officers: SSO, CSO, PFSO
- Systems: SSAS, AIS, LRIT, VDR
- Paperwork: DOS (Declaration of Security), ISSC (International Ship Security Certificate)
- Citadel: Secure room for crew protection
Security Levels: “NHE”
- Normal (MARSEC 1): Routine operations
- Heightened (MARSEC 2): Increased risk
- Exceptional (MARSEC 3): Imminent threat
Remember “DRILL” for Security Measures:
- Detect and assess threats
- Restrict access to ships and port facilities
- Implement security procedures
- Liaise with authorities and exchange information
- Level-specific actions (1, 2, 3)
Key Personnel: “SCP”
- Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- Company Security Officer (CSO)
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Security Systems: “SALV”
- SSAS: Ship Security Alert System (500 GT and above)
- AIS: Automatic Identification System (300 GT and above)
- LRIT: Long Range Identification & Tracking
- VDR: Voyage Data Recorder
Citadel Essentials: “SAFE ROOM”
- Secure location (ship’s center or engine room)
- Access control (thick metal door, password protection)
- Food and water (48-hour supply)
- Equipment (communication systems, CCTV, controls)
- Restricted areas protection
- Overall ship security enhancement
- Ongoing drills and exercises
- Maintenance of security measures
By focusing on these acronyms and key points, you can more easily remember the main components and requirements of the ISPS Code. Practice recalling each section using the acronyms, and gradually expand on the details within each category.
