NOTES - ISPS CODE March 18-29, 2019, April 15-30, 2019

• ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security

• IMO: International Maritime Organization
• VSA: Vessel Security Assessment
• SOLAS: Safety of Life at Sea
• PFSO: Port Facility Security Officer
• SSO: Ship Security Officer
• MARSEC: Maritime Security
• CSO: Company Security Officer.
• PFSP: Port Facility Security Plan
• RSO: Recognized Security Organization
• CCTV: Closed Circuit Television
• DOS: Declaration of Security
• D.A.: Designated Authority
• VSP: Vessel Security Plan
• C-TPAT: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
• OSHA: Occupational Safety & Health Act
• PFSA: Port Facility Security Assessment

• ISPS Code is an amendment to the SOLAS convention (1974-1988), It prescribes responsibilities

to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port facility personnel, to
“detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships
or port facilities used in international trade”.
• IMO states that “The ISPS Code is a set of comprehensive measures to enhance the security of
Ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States”.
• PORT FACILITY
Means a location, as determined by the Authority, where ship/port interface takes place, and this
includes areas such as anchorage, awaiting berths and approaches from seaward

• RECOGNIZED SECURITY ORGANIZATION

An organization with appropriate expertise in security matters and with appropriate knowledge of
ship and port operations authorized to carry out an assessment, or a verification, or approval or
certification activity required by these Regulations and the Code.
• DESIGNATED AUTHORITY
Government body that oversees the administering of the IMO Convention: policies, regulations, ISPS
Code requirement (and the SOALS Convention)
• IMO
International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is
responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent
marine pollution from ships.
• ISPS
International Ship and Port Facility Security Codes an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS) Convention on minimum security arrangements for ships, ports and government agencies.
SOLAS
• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea is an international maritime treaty
which sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment and operation of merchant
ships. The convention requires signatory flag states to ensure that ships flagged by them comply
with at least these standards
HISTORY OF THE ISPS CODE
• Following the terrorist attack on September 11 2001 in the United States, as a response to
maritime security, the International Ship and Port Facility Security code (ISPS) came in to force
1st July 2004.
• Merchant ships in international trade and the ports they are calling, were required to be
certified to a certain security standard.
PURPOSE OF IMO
• To improve the safety and security of international shipping
• To prevent marine pollution from ships.
It's important to note that the IMO does not implement or enforce policy, in any way. The IMO was
created to adopt policy, not enforce it.
When governments accept an IMO convention, it agrees to make those policies national law, and to
enforce those laws. The IMO did develop an audit program that made audits required.
PURPOSE OF THE ISPS CODE
• The primary objective of the ISPS Code is to provide a standardized, consistent global security
framework across the maritime world.
• This will enable the countries that have subscribed to the code to evaluate, detect and assess
the security risks to the ships calling at their ports and take appropriate measures to determine
the security levels they must follow and the corresponding security/preventive measures to be
taken.
• To institute respective roles and responsibilities of all parties (governments and
 government agencies subscribed to the code, port administration and the shipping and
port agencies) concerned, at a global and domestic level, to ensure maritime security
• To assure ship owners that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in
place for their ships
• In terms of the ISPS code, shipping lines, ports and terminals are required to place
appropriate security officers/personnel on each ship, in each port facility and in each
shipping company to prepare and to put into effect the security plans that will be
implemented.

SECTIONS OF THE ISPS CODE

• The ISPS Code comprises two parts, the first of which (Part A) contains detailed security
requirements for governments, port authorities and shipping companies.
• Part B provides guidelines on how to meet these requirements, and is non-mandatory.
APPLICATION OF THE CODE
• The Code applies to passenger ships engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 gross
tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages, mobile offshore drilling units and port
facilities serving the afore-mentioned ships
• The ISPS Code is applicable in the same way to all shipping nations - flag States and port -
globally and universally. All 148 Parties to SOLAS must ensure their ships and port facilities
comply with the requirements.
• The ISPS Code is applicable in the same way to all shipping nations - flag States and port -
globally and universally. All 148 Parties to SOLAS must ensure their ships and port facilities
comply with the requirements.
SECURITY OFFICERS
Security officer may be given various roles like patrolling an area or responding to a incident, however
there is one core value that he constantly strives to achieve, and that is to protect. Similarly, no matter
what role or job a security guard is assigned to, he has core responsibilities that he aims to achieve.
These core principles help security perform his job efficiently and are instinctive to a security Officer:
Public security agencies are those groups that perform a security function but are funded exclusively by
governments in the interest of public service. These agencies include municipal, provincial and federal
police forces. Legislation in each jurisdiction initiates and empowers these agencies, mandates specific
training, and creates an objective complaint review process. Police forces are granted wide sweeping
powers that are generally recognized by the public.
Private security is different than public security in several significant ways. Private security is provided to
clients for a fee and except in special circumstances, has its jurisdiction limited to the property owned by
the client. Rather than service provided in the interests of the public, security is provided to protect the
interests of the client.
Prevention
The first job of a security guard is to prevent a crime. If he is able to deter criminals, then more than half
the job is already done. To do this, a security guard has to make his presence be felt. If the premises are
large, a security guard can patrol the area to ensure no one is trespassing and nothing illegal is occurring.
By just having a security guard stand outside your store or building, criminals will think twice before
acting on any impulses or plan.
Visibility
To prevent any crime, a security guard has to be visible. The figure of a security guard will discourage a
criminal. In addition, they become aware that the management takes security very seriously.
Vigilance
How alert a security guard is, is directly related to how well he performs. He must constantly be aware of
his surroundings, of the people around him and what is happening. He should be able notice suspicious
activity. By being vigilant, a security guard can react swiftly to the situation at hand. E.g. a port watch
security guard can notice potential Terrorism and ensure it is dealt with immediately.
Observe and Report
A security guard is not a hero and neither is he armed. In situations that he is not equipped to handle
like an armed criminal or a fire, his actions are to stay calm, gather information to report and inform the
police or fire department.
Safety of the People
One of the highest responsibilities is to ensure the safety of the people around him. To the best of his
ability, a security guard has to move civilians out of the danger zone. Hence, he is always aware of the
entry and exits points in a location.
Lend Assistance
A security guard is not trained to tackle emergency situations like fires, violent criminals or medical
crises. However, he can assist the police, fire department or ambulance service. He is trained in
cordoning off the area and preventing any civilians from interfering. His training in first aid and CPR
comes in handy when assisting the ambulance service.
Represent the Client
A security guard also understands that he represents the client’s business. That means treating people
well and communicating right are very important. This becomes even more important when a security
guard is faced with a tough situation.
These are Principles that a security guard takes very seriously. They are part of his core function and
many of the guard actions are dictated by it.
CROWD CONTROL
Crowd management is defined as Part A: Techniques used to manage lawful public assemblies before,
during and after an event for the purpose of maintaining the event’s lawful status.
It can be accomplished in part through coordination with event planners and group leaders, permit
monitoring, and past event critiques.
Crowd management is defined as Part B: Techniques used to address unlawful public assemblies,
including a display of formidable numbers of Police Officers, crowd containment, dispersal tactics, and
arrest procedures.
What is said and the action taken, can determine to a large extent the chance of a successful result.
 • The role of the Security Office is intricate and yet delicate, therefore the Officer would need to
be assertive, commanding and responsive in dealing with a crowd
EVACUATION
• The Port Facility has evacuation procedures
• Remain Calm
• Know the emergency exits and alternative routes
• Proceed promptly to allocated Assembly Point
• React promptly and help colleagues when required
• Do not return unless clearly allowed by authorities and the Facility’s Management
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REQUIRED
• Barriers
• Buildings
• Transportation
• Personnel
• Equipment
• Spatial Environment
• Signage
• Welfare Facilities
• Information Technology

ADVISORY
• In using the Public Address System to give directions, note :
• Think carefully or write down exactly what you want to say, before you pick up and switch on the
microphone
• Try to keep your voice audible, clear and calm
• Remember the communication module which stresses simple clear messages
• Avoid use of negative messages and negative words, if possible (bomb, fire, emergency…etc.)
•

IMPORTANCE OF VESSEL/SHIP SECURITY PLAN

• ISPS code requests that the VSP maintain an updated inventory of dangerous or hazardous goods
and substances that are carried aboard the ship. The location of the goods or substance must be
stated in the inventory report, also communication to be used at all times.
• ISPS code requires that the Vessel Security Plan must have strict procedure and practices for the
vital protection of Sensitive Security Information that is either in the form of electronic or paper.
• Procedures are to be observed and must include timed submissions, and assessments of security
 reports pertaining to heightened security concerns.
• ISPS Code demands that every ship must have a Company Security Officer that will work
alongside the Ship Security Officer.
• The CSO takes data from the Ship /Vessel Security Assessment to advise on possible threats that
could happen on the ship. He will ensure that the Ship Security Plan is maintained in an efficient
manner by the SSO.
• The Ship Security Officer has full responsibility of the vessels security, with the captain’s
approval, and conducts regular security inspections, to make sure that the appropriate security
steps are always taken, also ensures that the security crew is trained for high security level
purposes.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE
Ship and port facility security is a risk management activity. As with all risk management efforts, the
most effective course of action is to eliminate the source of the threat, in this case is the acts of
terrorism or otherwise threaten the security of ships or of the port facilities
• It is for the SOLAS Contracting Governments to implement the measures - detailed
implementation of the Code is a matter for individual national governments.

SECURITY LEVELS
Security Level 1 means the level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be
maintained at all times.
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 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.

FIRST AID
• Anyone may take charge of an emergency scene and provide first aid, but few are certified to do
so.
• Ambulance Personnel, Police Officers and Firefighters may be called to the scene of an
emergency and are known as “First Responders”. They are trained to take charge of the scene
and will ask direct questions about the scene, the casualty and your involvement.
• If a Security Guard is trained in First Aid, he/she should declare that status and give a history of
the scene and the condition of the casualty.
DEFINITON
Is an emergency care treatment to an injured or ill person using readily available materials before
regular medical attention can be obtained. First Aid is intended to preserve life, prevent further injury
and promote recovery.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHIS) ensure the occupational safety of security guards and those with whom they
interact
WORKPLACE HAZARDS
• Security Officers should have training to understand workplace hazards and know what controls
are in place to protect them from such materials, including operational policies or personal
protective equipment.
• They should also be informed by their employer and in some cases, the Client, about procedures
to follow in case of an emergency with hazardous materials
• Security Officers should be prepared to deal with an emergency situation, and this includes
reviewing an available Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for potentially hazardous materials.
• They should evaluation the hazards they may be exposed to and consider the tools and
equipment needed in an emergency.
• Emergency response contact numbers should also be posted in a visible location.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
• While OSHA requires employers to ensure that adequate First Aid Supplies are readily available,
building security departments should store well-stocked first aid kits within several minutes of
any place in the building. Prepare and acquire a list of items to have in your First Aid Kit
• Let the nature of the work on your Facility or the special tenant needs suggest other materials.
OSHA refers employers and employees to a generic workplace First Aid Kit
Security Officers should be familiar with
• Emergency Scene Management
• Treatment of Shock, unconsciousness and Fainting
• Choking – adults
• Severe Bleeding
• One rescuer CPR - adult
CPR TRAINING
• It may be necessary, during routine operation or performing of duties that a Security Officer will
need to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) before proper medical attention arrives.
• In some cases, “time will be of the essence”.
• The ability to perform CPR treatment before the arrival of the paramedics might make the
difference between life and death.
• This responsibility could be that of the Security Officer.