MARITIME SECURITY ONBOARD

The SOLAS Convention in its successive forms is generally regarded as the most important of all
international treaties concerning the safety and security of merchant ships. The first version was adopted
in 1914, in response to the Titanic disaster, the second in 1929, the third in 1948, and the fourth in 1960.
The 1974 version includes the tacit acceptance procedure - which provides that an amendment shall enter
into force on a specified date unless, before that date, objections to the amendment are received from an
agreed number of Parties.

As a result the 1974 Convention has been updated and amended on numerous occasions. The Convention
in force today is sometimes referred to as SOLAS, 1974, as amended.

SOLAS and Maritime Security

On 1 July 2004 a new maritime security regulatory regime was adopted into the International Convention
for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 as amended, namely chapter XI-2 on Special measures to
enhance maritime security, which includes the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The ISPS Code entered into force a mere 18 months after its adoption by the SOLAS Conference in
December 2002.

It was adopted in response to the devastating terrorist acts of September 11 (2001) in the United States,
following which, the international community recognised the need to protect the international maritime
transport sector against the threat of terrorism. IMO responded swiftly and firmly by developing these
new requirements, which are a by-product of cooperation between Governments, Government agencies,
local administrations and shipping and port industries.

Appointed officers[edit]
ISPS Code demands that every ship must have a Company Security Officer (CSO) that will work
alongside the Ship Security Officer (SSO) for security purposes. The CSO takes data from the Ship
Security Assessment or Vessel Security Assessment to advise on possible threats that could
happen on the ship. He will ensure that the Ship Security Plan (SSP) is maintained in an efficient
manner by the SSO.[2]
The Ship Security Officer has full responsibility of the vessels security with the captain’s approval as
stated in chapter XI-2/8.[2] The SSO maintains the SSP and conducts regular security inspections to
make sure that the appropriate security steps are always taken. The SSO also ensures that the
security crew is trained for high security level purposes. [2]
Scope[edit]
The ISPS Code states that it is the sole responsibility of the Company Security Officer (CSO) and
Company to approve the Ship Security Officer (SSO). This process must be approved by the
administration of the flag state of the ship or verified security organization with approval of the Ship
Security Plan or Vessel Security Plan (VSP).[3] The ISPS Code ensures that before the VSP is set in
place that Vessel Security Assessments must be taken (VSA).[4] The Vessel Security Plan must
address every requirement in the Vessel Security Assessment. [4] The VSP must establish a number
of important roles and steps to provide safety for the marine vessel. Therefore, the VSP must include
procedures to allow necessary communication that shall be enforced at all times. [4] The VSP has to
include procedures that assessed for the performance of daily security protocols. It also must include
the assessment of security surveillance equipment systems to detect malfunctioning parts. [4] ISPS
code requires that the Vessel Security Plan must have strict procedure and practices for the vital
protection of Sensitive Security Information (SSI) that is either in the form of electronic or paper.
Observation of procedures has to include timed submissions, and assessments of security reports
pertaining to heightened security concerns.[4] ISPS code requests that the VSP maintain an updated
inventory of dangerous or hazardous goods and substances that are carried aboard the ship. [4] The
location of the goods or substance must be stated in the inventory report. [4]
The ISPS Code is implemented through chapter XI-2 Special measures to enhance maritime
security in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Regulation XI-2/3 ensures that administrations establish security levels and guarantee the provisions
of strict security level data to ships that fly their flag. [5] Ships that are prior to docking in port must
immediately comply with all requirements for security levels that are determined by that
contracting government.[5] This also pertains to the security level that is established by the
Administration for that ship.
Regulation XI-2/6 makes sure that all ships are equipped with a security alarm system. [5] The alarm
system works from the ship to administration ashore with transmitted signals that are communicated
via satellite.[5] The advanced security alarm system shall send a signal indicating the ship name,
location, and the security threat that the ship is undergoing. The ships alarm system may be
activated from the navigation bridge by the captain without alarming the crew on-board. [5]
The Regulation XI-2/8 establishes the main role of the Sea Master, which allows him to maintain
order and conduct decisions for the sake of the personnel and security of the ship. Regulations XI-
2/8 states that the Sea Master must not by challenged or withheld from completing his duties. [5]