ISPS Code Compliance

The International Ship and Port Security Code came into effect in 2004 and is an amendment to the SOLAS Conventions. A legal requirement in 148 subscribing IMO environments, non-compliance carries restrictions on port and vessel operations and has serious implications on insurance cover.

The Code does not specify detailed measures that each port and ship must adopt to ensure the safety of the facility against security threats. Instead, it outlines a standardised and consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ship and port facilities. BTG Global Risk Partners assists clients in adapting this intent into a practical activity that will stand up to scrutiny.

For ships the framework includes requirements for:

• Ship Security Plans
• Ship Security Officers
• Company Security Officers
• Compliant Onboard Security Technology

For port facilities, the requirements include:

• Port Facility Security Plans
• Port Facility Security Officers
• Compliant Security Technology

Further to these requirements, both ship and port facilities should be able to:

• Monitor and control access
• Monitor the activities of people and cargo
• Ensure security communications are readily available

BTG Global Risk Partners consultants are well placed to assist organisations with achieving and maintaining ISPS Code compliance. This can be outsourced directly to us to manage on behalf of clients or we can train and validate key appointments in the client organisation.