ISPS CODE - SHIP AND SHORE SECURITY

Brief Overview - Training Programs - Acronyms & Definitions

Brief Overview

The ISPS Code is the latest addendum to SOLAS. Simply stated it is the international security code for ship and port activities. The Code is law and will go in to full effect on July 1, 2004. While many people are aware of it many are not and fewer still understand how it will affect each ship and port later this year. This is a brief overview of this important CODE. We strongly suggest that each of you involved with ship and / or port activities in anyway get a copy of this CODE and read its ramifications. We also recommend that all ship / shore security plans be reviewed ASAP. In US ports, the MTSA (Marine Transportation Security Act -the domestic equivalent of ISPS) will apply.

The full title of ISPS Code is the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code and SOLAS Amendments 2002.

Objectives:

To establish an international framework involving co-operation between Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade;
To establish the respective roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries, at the national and international level, for ensuring maritime security;
To ensure the early and efficient collection and exchange of security-related information;
To provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and procedures to react to changing security levels; and,
To ensure confidence that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place.

Application

This Code applies to:

passenger ships
cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards (including tankers)
mobile offshore drilling units
port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages

Responsibilities (General)

Contracting Governments:

Shall set security levels and provide guidance for protection from security incidents.

Shipowner / Ship:

Owner shall conduct a security assessment audit for the company and for each ship.
Comprehensive approved security plans must be developed for company and each ship.
Owner shall ensure that the ship security plan contains a clear statement emphasizing master’s authority.
Ship must have security assessment approved by the owner and the company security officer.
Ship must carry on board a ship security plan approved by the Administration and contain elements as detailed in the Code.
The owner shall designate a company security officer and a ship security officer on each ship to assure the security plan is followed.

Port and Port Facility

Port Authority shall assign port security officer and authority.
Port Authority shall conduct a port security assessment.
Port Authority shall develop a port security plan based on assessment.
Port Authority must set security levels at 1, 2, or 3 per the Code.
Port Facility (terminal) shall assign a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).
PFSO shall conduct a security assessment audit based on 21 points listed in the Code.
Port Facility shall develop a security plan based on audit.
Plan should:

o    Detail security Organization
o    Detail links with relevant authorities
o    Details basic security levels 1, 2 and 3
o    Provide regular review of PFSP
o    Detail reporting procedures to Government
o    Address 14 other items including, cargo, ship access, stores personnel IDs, crew, terminal access etc.

Training:

o    PFSO shall require training in 20 specific area and 10 ancillary areas as listed in Code
o    Facility must conduct appropriate training exercises
o    Port personnel with security duties must also be trained.

Documentation:

o Various documents of security required for ship and shore

Implementation Date
All programs and plans must be in place July 1, 2004.

Enercon Comment
While it might not be truly necessary for all ports to be online with this program on the effective date, ships may limit their port calls to only those ports that have a fully implemented plan.

Watch this page for more details on this Code.

Training Programs

ENERCON GROUP, INC.

One to Five-Day ISPS Training Program

Certification – PFSO / SSO / Security – Facility Personnel

Review and Implementation

This special 5-day program covers all aspects of ship and port security including potential threats to a maritime facility, ship and personnel. In order to obtain the necessary certificates from “Security / Facility Personnel” up to and including Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs), all required topics will be covered, including ports, terminals, ships, containers, cargo, passengers, stores, bunkers, etc. The program is conducted by means of visual aids, handouts, interactive discussions and exercises. All participants will receive relevant reference materials and publications and an appropriate certificate upon successfully completing the program and passing the required examinations.

Program One – 1-day ISPS Certification Program

Day one is to be attended by all personnel wishing to become certified as “Port Facility Security Personnel” or wishing a review of the ISPS Code and the security threats.

Program Two – 3-day ISPS Certification Program

Day one – Is conducted concurrently with Program One
Days two and three are specifically directed toward required training for the port security officers, port facility security officers, ship security officers and other security personnel and outlined in the ISPS Code.

Program Three – 2-day ISPS Review / Update / Implementation Program

Days four and five are intended for those who are already certified and who want to have an update of the code, how it is being implemented around the world and to be more familiar with all of its aspects and the types of threats to be most concerned about today.

Program Four – Full 5-day Program

Anyone wishing to attend all five days of ISPS training / review and exercises.

Fees - Contact us for per person fee and general outline.

Contact us for information at our office in Coral Gables, Florida by calling tel 305-445-0647 or by email to info@enercongroup.com.

Acronyms and Definitions

The following is a list of compiled acronyms and definitions related to the ISPS Code / MTSA and Enercon Group, Inc.’s ISPS Code / MTSA Compliance Course. It is not meant to be an all-inclusive list but rather a reference aid to course participants. For the full list of terms and acronyms contained in the Codes, please refer to the ISPS Code and other related course materials.

ANFO - Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil Mix

CCTV - Closed Circuit Television (TV)

CONTRACTING GOVERNMENT - Includes reference to the Designated Authority

CSI - Container Security Initiative

CSO - Company Security Officer

CSR - Continuous Synopsis Record

C-TPAT - Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

DOS - DECLARATION OF SECURITY - An agreement between a ship and a port facility or another ship, specifying the security measures each will implement.

DRA - Designated Restricted Area

Flag State - Country where the ship is registered.

IMB - International Maritime Bureau

IMO - International Maritime Organization

ISPS - International Ship and Port Facility Code and SOLAS Amendments 2002

ISSC - International Ship Security Certificate

MTSA - Maritime Transportation Security Act

PF - Port Facility Engaged in International Trade

PFSO - Port Facility Security Officer

PFSP Port Facility Security Plan

Port State - Country where ships call.

PSA - Port Security Assessment

PSO - Port Security Officer

RSO - Recognized Security Organization

SAA - Security Assessment Audit

SECURITY LEVEL 1 - Level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be maintained at all times.

SECURITY LEVEL 2 - Level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident.

SECURITY LEVEL 3 - Level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.

SOLAS - Safety of Life at Sea Convention

SSA - Ship Security Assessment

SSO - Ship Security Officer

SSP - Ship Security Plan