BALTIC MARITIME

(Captain Bo Jevemo)

ISPS INFORMATION

 

Security Information for m/v Dalhem, m/v Ala & m/v Cementina

 

 

1.    Introduction

 

 

 

New security measures adopted by the IMO establish an international marine security framework to enhance the protection of ship’s personnel, cargo and ports.

The initiative, called the International Ship & Port Facility Code (ISPS), responds to an increased threat of terrorist attacks.

 

The new security measures and procedures applies to cargo ships of 500 tons GT or more, involved in international trade and port facilities for these vessels.

 

While these new security requirements are designed to combat terrorism, they can also help to effectively protect against other threats, such as piracy and hijacking.

 

Terrorists pose a potential threat to ships and shipping because a ship could be:

·        Used to smuggle terrorists or weapons to countries to carry out an attack.

·        Taken control of, and used as a weapon.

·        Attacked directly.

·        Used in a hostage situation.

·        Used to cause environmental or economic problems for a coastal state. (i.e.  deliberate pollution etc. )

·        Used as a platform to mount a strike.

 

 

Each ship and Port facility is responsible for determining the security measures necessary to respond to potential threats. Ship operators, Crew, Port authorities and Facility operators are required to respond to potential threats.

 

The above mentioned are also required to conduct threat assessments, security surveys, vulnerability assessments and then develop security plans to mitigate unacceptable risks. Personnel responsible for the security of ships and ports are also required to provide training and drills to ensure a familiarity with security plans and procedures.

 

These security requirements for ships must be approved by the administration that is responsible for ensuring the enforcement of international conventions. (i.e. The Flag-state.) Port security measures must be approved by the “Contracting Government” which is signatory to The International Convention For The Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS).

Ships will be required to carry an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) onboard, similar to the Safety Management Certificate, indicating that they have an approved Ship Security Plan (SSP) and that the crew understands their security responsibilities.

The certificate and parts of the SSP are subject to a Port State Control Inspection.

The administration for the Contracting Government will be responsible for developing procedures for assessing threats and establishing the appropriate readiness conditions or security levels.

The Contracting Government will also be responsible for defining the security measures and procedures for each of the three Security Alert Conditions: Security Level I, Security Level II & Security Level III. The Company and the SSO will be responsible for the development and implementation of the SSP. All ship operators and port facility operators will be required to ensure that the minimum Security Level for the appropriate readiness condition is implemented.

 

A company must have a CSO and each ship is required to appoint a SSO.

A SSP must be developed for each ship, and each ship must be equipped with specific equipment.

The plan must stipulate methods and procedures for the three Security Levels.

 

Each ship is required to control and monitor access and the activity of people and cargo, and security communications must be readily available.

 

Similarly, all ports to which these security measures apply must appoint a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and prepare a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP).

 

The following information contained in the plan is confidential and shall be kept in very strict confidence by the CSO, Master and SSO:

 

·        Identification of the restricted areas and measures for the prevention of unauthorized access.

·        Procedures for responding to security threats or breaches of security, including provisions for maintaining critical operations of the ship/port interface.

·        Procedures to responding to any instructions Contracting Governments may give at security level II or III.

·         Duties of Shipboard personnel assigned security responsibilities and of other shipboard personnel on security aspects.

·        Procedures to ensure the inspection, testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment provided on board, if any.

·        Identification of the locations where the ship security alert system activation points are provided.

·        Procedures, instructions and guidance on the use of the ship security alert system, including the testing, activation, deactivation and resetting and to limit false alerts.

 

 

 

 

useful links:

Edvin Svenson

 

© Jennifer Jevemo 2004