The ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to threats after 9/11. It is an amendment to the SOLAS Convention and consists of mandatory security requirements and guidance. The ISPS Code applies to ships on international voyages over 500 GT as well as port facilities serving those ships. Its main objectives are to detect and respond to security threats by establishing roles and responsibilities and collecting/sharing security information according to three security levels: normal, heightened, and exceptional/imminent risk. Requirements for ships include Ship Security Plans, Ship Security Officers, and certain equipment. Requirements for ports include Port Facility Security Plans and Port Facility Security Officers.

1. ISPS CODE
The International Ship and Port
Facility Security Code
What is
ISPS Code
stand for?

2. The IMO states that ISPS Code is;
A comprehensive set of measures to
enhance the security of ships and port
facilities.
Developed in response to the perceived
threats to ships and port facilities in the
wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States
What is ISPS Code ?
is an amendment to the SOLAS Convention
(1974/1988) on minimum security arrangements for
ships, ports and government agencies.

3. The code is a two-part document describing minimum
requirements for security of ships and ports. Part A provides
mandatory requirements. Part B provides guidance for
implementation.
The ISPS Code applies to ships on international voyages
(including passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 GT and
upwards, and mobile offshore drilling units) and the port
facilities serving such ships.
SCOPES

4. The main objectives of
the ISPS Code are;
> To detect security threats and implement security
measures
> To establish roles and responsibilities concerning
maritime security for governments, local
administrations, ship and port industries at the
national and international level
> To collate and promulgate 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

5. REQUIREMENTS
For ships the framework includes requirements for:
• Ship Security Plans (SSP)
• Ship Security Officers (SSO)
• Company Security Officers (CSO)
• Certain Onboard Equipment
For port facilities, the requirements include:
• Port Facility Security Plans
• Port Facility Security Officers
• Certain Security Equipment
In addition the requirements for ships and for port facilities include:
• Monitoring and controlling access
• Monitoring the activities of people and cargo
• Ensuring security communications are readily available

6. In the ISPS Code, What are the different security levels referred to?
 SECURITY LEVEL 1
Normal, the level at which the ship or port facility normally operates. Security
level 1 means the level for which minimum appropriate protective security
measures shall be maintained at all times.
 SECURITY LEVEL 2
Heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a heightened risk of a
security incident. Security level 2 means the 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
Exceptional, the level applying for the period of time when there is the probable
or imminent risk of a security incident.
Security level 3 means the 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.
Setting security level 3 should be an exceptional measure applying only when
there is credible information that a security incident is probable or imminent.
Security level 3 should only be set for the duration of the identified security
threat or actual security incident. While the security levels may change from
security level 1, through security level 2 to security level 3, it is also possible that
the security levels will change directly from security level 1 to security level 3.

8. Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?

9. What is the ISPS Code?
Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?
Is there a black list of countries not in compliance with the ISPS code?
Are all IMO Member States obliged to comply with the ISPS Code?
What are the different security levels referred to in the ISPS Code?
Where can I get a copy of the ISPS Code?
What are the other measures adopted in addition to the ISPS Code?
What are the latest data/information on the implementation of the requirements of
SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code?
What about compliance?
What has changed since 1 July 2004?
What does implementing the ISPS Code involve?
Will the new security measures be effective?
What would happen to ships if they do not comply with the ISPS Code requirements and
if they do not have the Certificate?
What would happen to ships, having visited ports where the ISPS Code is not
implemented properly, when they intend to enter ports where the ISPS Code is
implemented vigorously?

10. How can I find out if a ship or port is compliant?
What are major security concerns and potential threats? Are they real or imaginary?
What additional/specific security measures and actions would be required at
local/regional level to further raise the defence against threats?
Will the new security measures imposed after 1 July 2004 will help reduce the piracy and
armed robbery incidents?
What are the security concerns and potential threats to oil tankers navigating in narrow
straits?
How will the code specifically affect ports and shipping in different regions of the world?
Do these measures go far enough for port and shipping security?
Who has to implement the ISPS Code?
What penalties will there be on any Governments who do not ensure compliance with the
ISPS Code?
What guidelines are there for dealing with ships/ports that are not compliant after 1 July
2004?
Why isn't the IMO directly responsible for the ISPS code and its implementation?
Will the ISPS Code be a big hindrance to international trade and shipping?

11. Why did the IMO leave so much of ISPS open to interpretations?
What about the issue of master as a ship security officer?
What has IMO done to help developing countries implement the ISPS Code?
Which maritime security model courses are available?
What led to the development of the ISPS Code?
What maritime security measures existed before the ISPS Code and other measures were
adopted?
What issues are under discussion at the Legal Committee with a view to amending the
SUA Convention?
What measures have been adopted in the security communication field?
What role would AIS and ship security alert system play?
Should IMO should be worried about the implications of terrorists or criminals using AIS
derived information to target vessels?
When do ordinary container ships and ro/ros have to fit AIS?
What is the current situation at WCO in relation to container security?
What about seafarers identification documents?
Where can I find more information on maritime security?