:: ISPS ::

The ISPS Code - that came into force on July 1st, 2004 - is a new, comprehensive security regime that seeks to establish an international framework of co-operation between governments, government agencies and the shipping and port industries in order to address and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

Under the terms of the Code, shipping companies will be required to designate a Company Security Officer for the Company and a Ship Security Officer for each of its ships. The Company Security Officer's responsibilities include ensuring that a Ship Security Assessment is properly carried out, that Ship Security Plans are prepared and submitted for approval by (or on behalf of) the Administration and thereafter placed on board the vessels.

The Ship Security Plan should indicate the operational and physical security measures the ship itself should take to ensure secure operation in normal circumstances. The plan should also indicate the additional, or intensified, security measures the ship itself can take to move to and operate at heightened security level when instructed to do so. Furthermore, the plan should indicate the possible preparatory actions the ship could take to allow prompt response to instructions that may be issued to the ship to handle crisis situation.

Ships have to carry an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) indicating that they comply with the requirements of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and part A of the ISPS Code. When a ship is at a port or is proceeding to a port of Contracting Government, the Contracting Government has the right, under the provisions of regulation XI-2/9, to exercise various control and compliance measures with respect to that ship. The ship is subject to Port State Control inspections, however such inspections will not normally extend to examination of the Ship Security Plan itself except in specific circumstances.

The ship may also be subject to additional control measures if the Contracting Government exercising the control and compliance measures has a reason to believe that the security of the ship has, or the port facilities it has served, have been compromised.

The DANO is familiar with all the security aspects onboard the vessels as well as in the shore based offices. If you have problems with the ISPS, the DANO provides you with consultancy services. The Ship Security Assessments and Ship Security Plans may also be arranged and prepared by DANO.