The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (1974/1988) on minimum security arrangements for ships, ports and government agencies. Having come into force in 2004, 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

Security History

The IMO states that "The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (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" (IMO).

Development and implementation were speeded up drastically in reaction to the September 11, 2001 attacks and the bombing of the French oil tanker Limburg. The U.S. Coast Guard, as the lead agency in the United States delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), advocated for the measure.[2] The Code was agreed at a meeting of the 108 signatories to the SOLAS convention in London in December 2002. The measures agreed under the Code were brought into force on July 1, 2004.

ISPS Code Scope

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).[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.[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

Requirements

The Code does not specify specific measures that each port and ship must take to ensure the safety of the facility against terrorism because of the many different types and sizes of these facilities. Instead it outlines "a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities."

For ships the framework includes requirements for:

• Ship security plans
• Ship security officers
• Company security officers
• 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

• Security audit and advice
• Vessel vetting inspection
• ISM implementation and audit
• Offshore facilities security
• ISPS implementation and audit
• Vessel tracking and surveillance systems
• IOSH Health and Safety training

Critical facilities security

Critical Facility Security is fundamentally a plan to protect the facility assets and employees and the energy production system in general, against seizure, wilful damage, sabotage, piracy, pilferage, annoyance, or terrorism. It can also be considered as embracing all measures taken to prevent interference within lawful operations and must also include measures to prepare to respond to breaches of security. The aim of critical facilities security is to mitigate the risks identified in the initial Security Assessment.

The primary objective of critical facilities security with regards to offshore wind farm security is to ensure that vessels involved do not introduce threats and that vessels are secure and properly vetted. Critical facilities security should, therefore, emphasize facilities where the ship facilities interface. In order for a facility owner or operator to meet their obligation in ensuring the security of the wind farm facility. Each wind farm owner or operator should implement a security program that incorporates appropriate preparation, prevention, and response activities should the need arise. These preparations should include appropriate vessel vetting ISPS and ISM audits