ISPS ( The International Ship and Port Facility Security ) Code

ISPS :

→ Ships engaged in International voyage.

→ Passenger ship of all types.

→ Cargo ship of 500 GT and above

→ Mobile offshore drilling units.

→ Port facilities servicing ships, which are engaged in International Voyage.

Objectives :

→ To establish an International framework involving co-operation between contracting governments, Agencies and Administrations to detect security threats and take preventive measures.

→ To establish the respective roles and responsibilities of the Contracting Governments, Agencies and Administrations.

→ To ensure collecting and exchange of relevant information in good time.

→ To provide a methodology for security assessments.

→ To ensure confidence across the industry.

Security Plan :

The SSP to be drawn upon the basis of the findings and results of Ship Security Assessment. The plan should include ~

→ The ship security officer (SSO).

→ CSO including 24 hours contact details.

→ Measures in 3 security levels.

→ Measures to prevent any unauthorized access to the ship and restricted areas.

→ Procedures for Training, drills and exercise related to security.

→ Ship security equipment and their testing.

→ Location and testing of Ship Security Alert System.

→ Record keeping of all security related activities including ship’s visitor log.

Verification :

The company will submit SSP to MCA for audit and approval.If the MCA is satisfied with the SSP, MCA will approve the SSP for the ship.

Certification :

After approving the SSP, MCA will issue the ship with an ‘’Interim International Ship’s Security Certificate’’ valid up to 6 months.

During these initial period, MCA will carry out an Initial verification, it includes ~

a. Complete compliance of the plan (SSP).

b. Knowledge of crew.

c. Fitness & condition of ship security equipment.

Then MCA will issue the full ‘’International Ship’s Security Certificate for upto 5 years –subject to at least one intermediate verification between 2nd & 3rd anniversary.

It is carried out by MCA between 2nd & 3rd anniversary of ISSC to ensure the compliant with ISPS.

Duties of Ship Security Officer(SSO) :

→ Regular security rounds to ensure security measures.

→ Maintain the SSP.

→ Enhance security awareness and vigilance on board.

→ Ensure adequate training for crew.

→ Report to CSO of any deficiencies and non-conformity.

→ Report all security incidents.

→ Propose modifications to SSP.

→ Co-ordinate with PFSO for operational reason.

Duties of Company Security Officer(CSO) :

→ Ensure that International Ship Security Certificate is issued and remain valid.

→ Arranging Internal audits & review of security activities.

→ Ensure that ship security assessment are carried out.

→ Ensure adequate training for personnel responsible for security of the ship.

→ Enhance security awareness and vigilance.