ISPS: Worldwide updates

Source: NE

► 12th February 2007: BIMCO is advising it’s members of ISPS code related resources on the BIMCO website including:
□ ISPS Code database
□ ISPS Code reporting form
□ ISPS code advice
□ Related articles

In particular the BIMCO ISPS code reporting form provides
□ up to date information for the database
□ a useful resource for company security officers (CSO)
□ BIMCO with the information to address problems on behalf of it’s members

A recent example of a report - for which BIMCO will seek to obtain clarification from the port facility – states:

‘The Master of a ship that traded to a New Jersey liquids terminal last week reported ….that the crew was denied shore leave. According to the details …. received directly from the ship, there were other problems encountered as well. For example, no pre-arrival security-related information (such as the terminal’s security level) was provided. Furthermore, even though the terminal Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) requested a Declaration of Security (DoS) from the ship, it proved difficult to obtain the PFSO’s contact details.

This report raises a number of concerns. First of all, the ISPS Code requires port facility security plans to include procedures to facilitate shore leave. Secondly, requesting Declarations of Security should only take place when there are exceptional circumstances, and not as a matter of routine.

Contact: security@bimco.org

► 15th August 2005: IMO guidance: access to ships – security v safety
There are times when strict access control required by the ISPS ship security plan may not be in the best interests of maintaining the safety of the ship or the crew on board in relation to their right to shore leave.

Under routine circumstances strict access control should not conflict with the safety of the ship.

Under certain circumstances rapid access for certain personnel such as:
□ Pilot
□ Law enforcement (police)
□ Emergency response (fire)
may be beneficial to the safety of the ship.

For guidance on how to deal with such situations the IMO has published MSC Circular No 1156 guidance on the access of public authorities, emergency response services and pilots on board ISPS ships which states:
□ Access is ultimately the responsibility of the master. SOLAS states the master must be free to take decisions necessary to maintain the safety and security of the ship. The ISPS code should not be used to prohibit or hinder legitimate access.
□ IMO member States should ensure officials that board ships have appropriate identification documents.
□ Ships may have procedures already in place which require such officials to be escorted whilst on board – pilot to bridge, shore fire brigade in an emergency.

► 4h May 2005: USCG – countries not ISPS compliant
Effective from 23rd May 2005 the USCG has announced additional Port State Control measures which might include daylight only transits or denial of entry for ship which have visited countries that do not maintain effective anti-terrorism measures in their ports. The countries currently listed as not ISPS compliant are:
□ Albania
□ Democratic Republic of Congo
□ Guinea-Bissau
□ Liberia
□ Madagascar
□ Mauritania
□ Nauru

Ships which have visited these countries during their last five ports must take additional action to reduce the possibility of being denied entry into US ports. It is reported that Albania and Madagascar are now compliant.

► 26th April 2005: World ports not ISPS compliant
The IMO provide an ISPS Code Database from which Members can obtain the current status of compliance with the maritime security provisions of
SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.

Instructions :
Under Public Login select the country of the port facility which you wish to check on and click on login
Select Ports and Port facilities
Use drop down menus to select the port and then the port facility to check current status

► 25th April 2005: Potential reasons for ISPS detentions USCG PSC
Intertanko is passing on to it's members information from the US Coastguard (USCG) regarding ISPS Code deficiencies found during Port State Control inspections.

Apparently the main problems are:
□ Access control: Officials not being asked for ID cards when boarding
□ Restricted areas: Crew not enforcing restriction
□ Training: crew and security officer training below levels required. Most ships have apparently avoided detention by either arranging immediate suitable training or substituting personnel.