ISPS

Question 1

Which SOLAS Chapter makes the ISPS code required?

Answer 1

Chapter XI-2
ISPS code entered into force on the 1st July 2004.
Has since formed the basis for a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping.

Question 2

What is the Main Aim of ISPS code?

Answer 2

• To control the access of unauthorised person on board and inside any port.
• To monitor the activity of people and cargo operation. To detect the different security threats on board vessel and in port and implement measure as per the situation.
• To provide security level to the ship and derive various duties and functions in different security level.
• To build and implement roles and responsibilities for port state officer and on board officers to tackle maritime security threat at international level.
• To collect data from all over the world concerning security threats and results to tackle the same.

Stores control Access control Baggage control Cargo control

Question 3

What is the difference between part A and part B of the ISPS code?

Answer 3

Part A is MANDATORY: it outlines detailed maritime and port security-related requirements which SOLAS contracting governments, port authorities and shipping companies must adhere to, in order to be in compliance with the code.

Part B of the code provides a series of recommended guidelines on how to meet the requirements and obligations set out in the provisions of part A.

Question 4

What are the masters responsibilities with regards to Stowaway Cases?

Answer 4

The Master is to:

• Try to determine immediately the port of embarkation of the stowaway;
• Try to establish the identity, including the nationality/citizenship of the stowaway;
• To prepare a statement containing all information relevant to the stowaway, in accordance with information specified in the standard document annexed to these guidelines.
• To notify the existence of a stowaway and any relevant details to his shipowner and appropriate authorities at the port of embarkation, the next port of call and the flag State;
• Not to depart from his planned voyage to seek the disembarkation of a stowaway to any country unless repatriation has been arranged with sufficient documentation and permission given for disembarkation, or unless there are extenuating security or compassionate reasons.
• To ensure that the stowaway is presented to the appropriate authorities at the next port of call.
• To take appropriate measures to ensure the security, general health, welfare and safety of the stowaway until disembarkation;

Question 5

Who sets the security level for a ship?

Answer 5

The flag state sets the security level for its fleet, governed by the department of transport.

Question 6

When entering a port that runs full ISPS, what document would you need to submit.

Answer 6

A Declaration of security (DOS)

Question 7

How often are ISPS drills conducted?

Answer 7

Every 3 months.

Question 8

Which MGN gives guidance on “measures to counter piracy, armed robbery and other shipping acts of violence against Merchant Shipping”?

Answer 8

MGN 440

Question 9

When an ISPS surveyor onboard asks for your SIN! What is he referring to?

Answer 9

Ship Identification Numbers (SIN)

SINs and CSRs are special measures to ensure maritime safety contained in the SOLAS Chapter XI-1.

They are also closely associated with the application of the ISPS Code.

SOLAS chapter XI-1 requires that an SIN be marked in a permanent place on the vessel, such as:
• on the stern
• either side of the hull, amidships port and starboard, above the assigned freeboard.
• on either side of superstructure, port and stbd.
• On front of superstructure.
• In the case of passenger ships, on a horizontal surface visible from the air.

Question 10

What is the Purpose and application of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS)?

Answer 10

Entered into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004

The Code is divided into two sections:

Mandatory Part A outlines detailed maritime and port security-related requirements which SOLAS contracting governments, port authorities and shipping companies must adhere to, in order to be in compliance with the Code.

Part B of the Code provides a series of recommendatory guidelines on how to meet the requirements and obligations set out within the provisions of Part A.

Question 11

The main objectives of the ISPS Code include:

Answer 11

• Establishment of an international framework that encourages cooperation between Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping & port industries, in assessing and detecting potential security threats to ships or port facilities used for international trade.
• Determining the respective roles and responsibilities of all parties concerned with safeguarding maritime security in ports and on-board ships, at the national, regional and international levels;
• To ensure that there is early and efficient collation and exchange of maritime security-related information, at national, regional and international levels;
• To provide a methodology for ship and port security assessments, which facilitates the development of ship, company and port facility security plans and procedures, which must be utilised to respond to ships’ or ports’ varying security levels; and
• To ensure that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place on board ships and in ports.

Question 12

Which vessels are to comply with ISPS Code?

What certification do they require?

Answer 12

1. All Passenger ships, All Cargo ships of over 500 gross tons and mobile offshore drilling units.
2. An International Ships Security Certificate (ISSC)

• Valid for 5 years.
• A Ship shall have an initial verification before the ship is put in service, which shall include a complete verification of its security system, associated security equipment and the approved ship security plan.
• This verification shall ensure that the security system and any associated security equipment of the ship fully complies with the applicable requirements of chapter XI-2 and this Part of the Code, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.
• At least one intermediate verification. The intermediate verification shall include inspection of the security system and any associated security equipment of the ship to ensure that it remains satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended. Such intermediate verification shall be endorsed on the certificate; Plus, a renewal verification at intervals specified by the Administration, but not exceeding five years.

Question 13

What is contained in the DoT Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on Measures to Counter Piracy, Armed Robbery and Other Acts of Violence Against Merchant Shipping

Answer 13

Key messages regarding certain areas.

1. Introduction
2. Somalia, Indian ocean and Gulf of Aden
3. Piracy - general advice
4. Reccomended practises to deter acts of piracy.

• Risk Assessment
• The Counter-Piracy Plan
• Routing and Delaying Anchoring
• Prior to Entering Areas where Attacks Occur
• Watch-keeping and Vigilance
• Ship Communications
• Lighting
• CCTV
• Secure Areas
• Alarms
• Evasive Manoeuvring and Use of Hoses
• Use of Distress Flares

5. Armed Robbery
6. Reccomended practices to deter acts of armed robbery, If attackers board

• Early detection of potential attacks is key.
• Secure greatest level of safety for those on board the ship.
• Seek to ensure crew remain in control of navigation.

8. If attackers gain control
9. Action to take after an attack and reporting incidents.
10. Jurisdiction and intervention
11. Conclusion

Question 14

How is MARSEC level 3 normally termed?

What procedures does the vessel adhere to?

Answer 14

Exceptional

Security level 3: exceptional, the level applying for the period of time when there is the probable or imminent risk of a security incident.

This is when you consider:

• Limiting access to a single, controlled, access point.
• Granting access only to security forces.
• Directing persons on board.
• Refusing all deliveries.
• Evacuating the ship if necessary
• Searching the entire ship.
• Moving the ship.

Security to be carried out:

• Access point limited to one location
• ID’s checked
• Gangway watch on duty
• Continous deck rounds
• No cargo or stores allowed onboard unless emergency
• No personal allowed to embark or disembark
• Access to authrorised personnel, those responding to security incidents.
• If require, evacuation of ship.
• Prepare for a full or partial search of the ship.

Question 15

What is a Continuous Synopsis Record?

Answer 15

The CSR is intended to provide an on-board record of the history of the ship. Every ship that SOLAS Chapter I applies to must have an updated CSR containing specified information, including:

• Name of the state for which the ship is entitled to fly the flag.
• Date of ship registration.
• SIN.
• Port it is registered at.
• Name, registered address and unique identification number of owner.

Question 16

Implementing Security levels? Who does it and what are the MARSEC levels?

Answer 16

Implementing Security Level

It’s the responsibility of SSO to implement the security level on board complying with the security level set by the local government authorities.

Also a continuous response is to be made to Port state when security level is level 3.

The levels are:

Level 1 - Normal

Level 2 - Heightened

Level 3 - Exceptional or Imminent.

Question 17

How is MARSEC Level 2 termed and what procesdures are carried out?

Answer 17

Security level 2: heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a heightened risk of a security incident.

This is when you should consider:

• Patrolling the decks during ‘silent hours’.
• Limiting the number of access points to the ship (this obviously applies more to large cruise ships with multiple gangways and not as much to cargo ships with one accommodation ladder or yachts where the only access point is a passerelle aft).
• Restricting access to the area around the ship, both in the water and on the quayside (in co-operation with the port authority).
• Escorting visitors to the ship.
• Searching all or part of the vessel.

Question 18

Define MARSEC level 1 and its procedures that follow:

Answer 18

Security level 1: normal, the level at which the ship or port facility normally operates.

The following activities shall be carried out in order to identify and take preventive measures against security incidents:

• Ensuring the performance of all ship security duties;
• Controlling access to the ship;
• Controlling the embarkation of persons and their effects;25% check on people.
• Monitoring restricted areas to ensure that only authorized persons have access;
• Monitoring of deck areas and areas surrounding the ship;
• Supervising the handling of cargo and ship’s stores; and 25% Check on stores
• Ensuring that security communication is readily available.

Question 19

What is a Ship Security Assement and what are they carried out?

Answer 19

The ship security assessment is an essential and integral part of the process of developing and updating the ship security plan.

The company security officer shall ensure that the ship security assessment is carried out by persons with appropriate skills to evaluate the security of a ship.

The ship security assessment shall include an on-scene security survey and, at least, the following elements:

• Identify existing security measures, procedures and operations;
• Identify and evaluate the key ship board operations that are important to protect;
• Identification of possible threats to the key ship board operations and the likelihood of their occurrence, in order to establish and prioritise security measures; and
• Identification of weaknesses, including human factors in the infrastructure, policies and procedures.

The ship security assessment shall be documented, reviewed, accepted and retained by the Company.