ISPS Code Services

A new, comprehensive security regime for international shipping is to come into effect from July 2004 following the adoption by a week-long Diplomatic Conference of a series of measures to strengthen maritime security and prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against shipping.

The Conference, held at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 9 to 13 December, was of crucial significance not only to the international maritime community but the world community as a whole, given the pivotal role shipping plays in the conduct of world trade. The measures represent the culmination of just over a year's intense work by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and its Intercessional Working Group on Maritime Security since the terrorist atrocities in the United States in September 2001.

The Conference adopted a number of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), the most far-reaching of which encompasses the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Code contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies in a mandatory section (Part A), together with a series of guidelines about how to meet these requirements in a second, non-mandatory section (Part B). The Conference also adopted a series of resolutions designed to add weight to the amendments, encourage the application of the measures to ships and port facilities not covered by the Code and pave the way for future work on the subject.

The Conference has been referred to in the United Nations General Assembly. In December 2002, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on "Oceans and the law of the sea", which specifically welcomed initiatives at the International Maritime Organization to counter the threat to maritime.

USG's Code Services

Approval of Ship Security Plans (SSP) in compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) Code Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in December ff 2002.

Recognized Security Organization Autoridad Maritima de Pamana (AMP), Panama.

Assessment

USG is qualified and can provide ISPS Code Requirements for security assessment to ship, port and maritime facilities.

We can provide the service by three methods:

-	We can guide you
-	We can share the task with you
-	We can do the complete job by ourselves

 

Security Plan

USG is qualified and can provide ISPS requirements for security plans to ships, ports, and maritime facilities.

We can provide the service by three methods; we can guide you, or we can share the task with you, and we can do the complete job by ourselves.

Drills & Exercises

USG has the necessary experience and ability to create and conduct drills and exercises to assist CSO, SSO, PFSO.

Enhancing Maritime Security

A new, comprehensive security regime for international shipping is to come into effect from July 2004 following the adoption by a week-long Diplomatic Conference of a series of measures to strengthen maritime security and prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against shipping.

The Conference, held at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 9 to 13 December, was of crucial significance not only to the international maritime community but the world community as a whole, given the pivotal role shipping plays in the conduct of world trade. The measures represent the culmination of just over a year's intense work by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and its Intercessional Working Group on Maritime Security since the terrorist atrocities in the United States in September 2001.

The Conference adopted a number of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), the most far-reaching of which encompasses the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Code contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies in a mandatory section (Part A), together with a series of guidelines about how to meet these requirements in a second, non-mandatory section (Part B). The Conference also adopted a series of resolutions designed to add weight to the amendments, encourage the application of the measures to ships and port facilities not covered by the Code and pave the way for future work on the subject.

The Conference has been referred to in the United Nations General Assembly. In December 2002, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on "Oceans and the law of the sea", which specifically welcomed initiatives at the International Maritime Organization to counter the threat to maritime.

International Requirements

Over the last few years and since the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11th 2001, the world has been dramatically changed. The focus on security related issues and overall terror threats has become a common topic of discussion amongst many intelligence agencies and governments worldwide.

The international shipping community has been recognized as vulnerable and as an attractive target to various terror organizations. Security management procedures and firm practices are essential to reduce exposure to loss due to act of terror, piracy, and other criminal activity.

The need to act rapidly brought 108 Contracting Governments to the International Maritime Organization (IMO held in London on December 13th, 2002. The conclusion of this gathering led to the signed and adopted series of broad means to improve the security of ports, and vessels sailing in international waters. These means are set out in amended SOLAS Regulations, Chapters V and XI, and a new International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. The code is applicable to passenger ships and cargo ships greater than 500 gross tons, and mobile offshore drilling units. The effective date for full compliance is July 1st, 2004.

The complete ISPS Code can be downloaded from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Website

United States Requirements

In order to adapt to the international legislations, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has developed a platform of regulations intended to align U.S. maritime security requirements with the international requirements adopted by IMO. However, the Coast Guard must also implement U.S. specific requirements mandated by the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act ((MTSA) of 2002.

The USCG complies with ISPS code Part A and Part B and the amendments to SOLAS. Non-U.S. flag vessels entering the United States are expected to provide evidence of compliance with Part B or proof that any alternatives are equivalent to Part B.

The USCG has issued final regulations on the 22nd October 2003.

Please feel free to visit the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Website