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This part of the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities contains mandatory provisions to which reference is made in chapter XI-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.
The objectives of this Code are:
to establish an international framework involving cooperation between Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade;
to establish the respective roles and responsibilities of the Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and port industries, at the national and international level, for ensuring maritime security;
to ensure the early and efficient collection and exchange of 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; and
to ensure confidence that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place.
In order to achieve its objectives, this Code embodies a number of functional requirements. These include, but are not limited to:
gathering and assessing information with respect to security threats and exchanging such information with appropriate Contracting Governments;
requiring the maintenance of communication protocols for ships and port facilities;
preventing unauthorised access to ships, port facilities and their restricted areas;
preventing the introduction of unauthorised weapons, incendiary devices or explosives to ships or port facilities;
providing means for raising the alarm in reaction to security threats or security incidents;
requiring ship and port facility security plans based upon security assessments; and
requiring training, drills and exercises to ensure familiarity with security plans and procedures.
Convention means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.
Regulation means a regulation of the Convention.
Chapter means a chapter of the Convention.
Ship security plan means a plan developed to ensure the application of measures on board the ship designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ship's stores or the ship from the risks of a security incident.
Port facility security plan means a plan developed to ensure the application of measures designed to protect the port facility and ships, persons, cargo, cargo transport units and ship's stores within the port facility from the risks of a security incident.
Ship security officer means the person on board the ship, accountable to the master, designated by the Company as responsible for the security of the ship, including implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan, and for liaison with the company security officer and port facility security officers.
Company security officer means the person designated by the Company for ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out; that a ship security plan is developed, submitted for approval, and thereafter implemented and maintained, and for liaison with port facility security officers and the ship security officer.
Port facility security officer means the person designated as responsible for the development, implementation, revision and maintenance of the port facility security plan and for liaison with the ship security officers and company security officers.
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.
the following types of ships engaged on international voyages:
passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and
mobile offshore drilling units; and
port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages.
the degree that the threat information is credible;
the degree that the threat information is corroborated;
the degree that the threat information is specific or imminent; and
the potential consequences of such a security incident.
setting of the applicable security level;
approving a port facility security assessment and subsequent amendments to an approved assessment;
determining the port facilities which will be required to designate a port facility security officer;
approving a port facility security plan and subsequent amendments to an approved plan;
exercising control and compliance measures pursuant to regulation XI-2/9; and
establishing the requirements for a Declaration of Security.
the ship is operating at a higher security level than the port facility or another ship it is interfacing with;
there is an agreement on a Declaration of Security between Contracting Governments covering certain international voyages or specific ships on those voyages;
there has been a security threat or a security incident involving the ship or involving the port facility, as applicable;
the ship is at a port which is not required to have and implement an approved port facility security plan; or
the ship is conducting ship-to-ship activities with another ship not required to have and implement an approved ship security plan.
the master or the ship security officer on behalf of the ship(s); and, if appropriate,
the port facility security officer or, if the Contracting Government determines otherwise, by any other body responsible for shore-side security, on behalf of the port facility.
ensuring the performance of all ship security duties;
controlling access to the ship;
controlling the embarkation of persons and their effects;
monitoring restricted areas to ensure that only authorised persons have access;
monitoring of deck areas and areas surrounding the ship;
supervising the handling of cargo and ship's stores; and
ensuring that security communication is readily available.
identification of existing security measures, procedures and operations;
identification and evaluation of key shipboard operations that it is important to protect;
identification of possible threats to the key shipboard 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.
measures designed to prevent weapons, dangerous substances and devices intended for use against persons, ships or ports and the carriage of which is not authorised from being taken on board the ship;
identification of the restricted areas and measures for the prevention of unauthorised access to them;
measures for the prevention of unauthorised access to the ship;
procedures for responding to security threats or breaches of security, including provisions for maintaining critical operations of the ship or ship/port interface;
procedures for responding to any security instructions Contracting Governments may give at security level 3;
procedures for evacuation in case of security threats or breaches of security;
duties of shipboard personnel assigned security responsibilities and of other shipboard personnel on security aspects;
procedures for auditing the security activities;
procedures for training, drills and exercises associated with the plan;
procedures for interfacing with port facility security activities;
procedures for the periodic review of the plan and for updating;
procedures for reporting security incidents;
identification of the ship security officer;
identification of the company security officer, including 24-hour contact details;
procedures to ensure the inspection, testing, calibration, and maintenance of any security equipment provided on board;
frequency for testing or calibration of any security equipment provided on board;
identification of the locations where the ship security alert system activation points are provided; and
procedures, instructions and guidance on the use of the ship security alert system, including the testing, activation, deactivation and resetting and to limit false alerts.
training, drills and exercises;
security threats and security incidents;
breaches of security;
changes in security level;
communications relating to the direct security of the ship such as specific threats to the ship or to port facilities the ship is, or has been, in;
internal audits and reviews of security activities;
periodic review of the ship security assessment;
periodic review of the ship security plan;
implementation of any amendments to the plan; and
maintenance, calibration and testing of any security equipment provided on board, including testing of the ship security alert system.
advising the level of threats likely to be encountered by the ship, using appropriate security assessments and other relevant information;
ensuring that ship security assessments are carried out;
ensuring the development, the submission for approval, and thereafter the implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan;
ensuring that the ship security plan is modified, as appropriate, to correct deficiencies and satisfy the security requirements of the individual ship;
arranging for internal audits and reviews of security activities;
arranging for the initial and subsequent verifications of the ship by the Administration or the recognised security organisation;
ensuring that deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verifications of compliance are promptly addressed and dealt with;
enhancing security awareness and vigilance;
ensuring adequate training for personnel responsible for the security of the ship;
ensuring effective communication and cooperation between the ship security officer and the relevant port facility security officers;
ensuring consistency between security requirements and safety requirements;
ensuring that, if sister-ship or fleet security plans are used, the plan for each ship reflects the ship-specific information accurately; and
ensuring that any alternative or equivalent arrangements approved for a particular ship or group of ships are implemented and maintained.
undertaking regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained;
maintaining and supervising the implementation of the ship security plan, including any amendments to the plan;
coordinating the security aspects of the handling of cargo and ship's stores with other shipboard personnel and with the relevant port facility security officers;
proposing modifications to the ship security plan;
reporting to the company security officer any deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verifications of compliance and implementing any corrective actions;
enhancing security awareness and vigilance on board;
ensuring that adequate training has been provided to shipboard personnel, as appropriate;
reporting all security incidents;
coordinating implementation of the ship security plan with the company security officer and the relevant port facility security officer; and
ensuring that security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained, if any.
ensuring the performance of all port facility security duties;
controlling access to the port facility;
monitoring of the port facility, including anchoring and berthing area(s);
monitoring restricted areas to ensure that only authorised persons have access;
supervising the handling of cargo;
supervising the handling of ship's stores; and
ensuring that security communication is readily available.
identification and evaluation of important assets and infrastructure it is important to protect;
identification of possible threats to the assets and infrastructure and the likelihood of their occurrence, in order to establish and prioritise security measures;
identification, selection and prioritisation of countermeasures and procedural changes and their level of effectiveness in reducing vulnerability; and
identification of weaknesses, including human factors, in the infrastructure, policies and procedures.
measures designed to prevent weapons or any other dangerous substances and devices intended for use against persons, ships or ports, and the carriage of which is not authorised, from being introduced into the port facility or on board a ship;
measures designed to prevent unauthorised access to the port facility, to ships moored at the facility, and to restricted areas of the facility;
procedures for responding to security threats or breaches of security, including provisions for maintaining critical operations of the port facility or ship/port interface;
procedures for responding to any security instructions the Contracting Government in whose territory the port facility is located may give at security level 3;
procedures for evacuation in case of security threats or breaches of security;
duties of port facility personnel assigned security responsibilities and of other facility personnel on security aspects;
procedures for interfacing with ship security activities;
procedures for the periodic review of the plan and updating;
procedures for reporting security incidents;
identification of the port facility security officer, including 24-hour contact details;
measures to ensure the security of the information contained in the plan;
measures designed to ensure effective security of cargo and the cargo handling equipment at the port facility;
procedures for auditing the port facility security plan;
procedures for responding in case the ship security alert system of a ship at the port facility has been activated; and
procedures for facilitating shore leave for ship's personnel or personnel changes, as well as access of visitors to the ship, including representatives of seafarers' welfare and labour organisations.
conducting an initial comprehensive security survey of the port facility, taking into account the relevant port facility security assessment;
ensuring the development and maintenance of the port facility security plan;
implementing and exercising the port facility security plan;
undertaking regular security inspections of the port facility to ensure the continuation of appropriate security measures;
recommending and incorporating, as appropriate, modifications to the port facility security plan in order to correct deficiencies and to update the plan to take into account relevant changes to the port facility;
enhancing security awareness and vigilance of the port facility personnel;
ensuring adequate training has been provided to personnel responsible for the security of the port facility;
reporting to the relevant authorities and maintaining records of occurrences which threaten the security of the port facility;
coordinating implementation of the port facility security plan with the appropriate Company and ship security officer(s);
coordinating with security services, as appropriate;
ensuring that standards for personnel responsible for security of the port facility are met;
ensuring that security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained, if any; and
assisting ship security officers in confirming the identity of those seeking to board the ship when requested.
an initial verification before the ship is put in service or before the certificate required under section 19.2 is issued for the first time, which shall include a complete verification of its security system and any associated security equipment covered by the relevant provisions of chapter XI-2, of this Part of the Code and of 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;
a renewal verification at intervals specified by the Administration, but not exceeding five years, except where section 19.3 is applicable. 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, this Part of the Code and the approved ship security plan, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended;
at least one intermediate verification. If only one intermediate verification is carried out it shall take place between the second and third anniversary date of the certificate as defined in regulation I/2(n). 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;
any additional verifications as determined by the Administration.
the expiry date shown on the Certificate shall be amended by endorsement to a date which shall not be more than three years later than the date on which the intermediate verification was completed;
the expiry date may remain unchanged provided one or more additional verifications are carried out so that the maximum intervals between the verifications prescribed by section 19.1.1 are not exceeded.
if the relevant verifications are not completed within the periods specified under section 19.1.1;
if the Certificate is not endorsed in accordance with section 19.1.1.3 and 19.3.7.1, if applicable;
when a Company assumes the responsibility for the operation of a ship not previously operated by that Company; and
upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State.
a transfer of a ship to the flag of another Contracting Government, the Contracting Government whose flag the ship was formerly entitled to fly shall, as soon as possible, transmit to the receiving Administration copies of, or all information relating to, the International Ship Security Certificate carried by the ship before the transfer and copies of available verification reports, or
a Company that assumes responsibility for the operation of a ship not previously operated by that Company, the previous Company shall, as soon as possible, transmit to the receiving Company copies of any information related to the International Ship Security Certificate or to facilitate the verifications described in section 19.4.2.
a ship without a Certificate, on delivery or prior to its entry or re-entry into service;
transfer of a ship from the flag of a Contracting Government to the flag of another Contracting Government;
transfer of a ship to the flag of a Contracting Government from a State which is not a Contracting Government; or
a Company assuming the responsibility for the operation of a ship not previously operated by that Company
until the Certificate referred to in section 19.2 is issued, the Administration may cause an Interim International Ship Security Certificate to be issued, in a form corresponding to the model given in the appendix to this Part of the Code.
the ship security assessment required by this Part of the Code has been completed;
a copy of the ship security plan meeting the requirements of chapter XI-2 and part A of this Code is provided on board, has been submitted for review and approval, and is being implemented on the ship;
the ship is provided with a ship security alert system meeting the requirements of regulation XI-2/6, if required;
the company security officer:
has ensured:
the review of the ship security plan for compliance with this Part of the Code;
that the plan has been submitted for approval; and
that the plan is being implemented on the ship; and
has established the necessary arrangements, including arrangements for drills, exercises and internal audits, through which the company security officer is satisfied that the ship will successfully complete the required verification in accordance with section 19.1.1.1, within 6 months;
arrangements have been made for carrying out the required verifications under section 19.1.1.1;
the master, the ship security officer and other ship's personnel with specific security duties are familiar with their duties and responsibilities as specified in this Part of the Code; and with the relevant provisions of the ship security plan placed on board; and have been provided such information in the working language of the ship's personnel or languages understood by them; and
the ship security officer meets the requirements of this Part of the Code.