What is the scope of the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code?

The International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is an international set of guidelines designed to provide a consistent level of security for ships and port facilities across the world. The scope of the code is wide-reaching as it applies to commercial ships of all sizes, cruise ships, military vessels, passenger ships, and yachts. It also applies to all port facilities, both public and private, that handle cargo, passengers, and crew. The code requires companies to have a Ship Security Plan (SSP) and a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) which must be approved by the flag state of the ship or facility. The SSP has three main objectives - to detect security threats, prevent unauthorized access, and respond to any security incidents. The PFSP has the same objectives but on a larger scale as it covers a whole port facility instead of an individual ship. To ensure compliance with the ISPS Code, ships and port facilities must undergo regular inspections and security assessments. The assessments are conducted by the port state and are designed to evaluate the security measures and their effectiveness. The goal is to ensure that any security threats are identified and addressed quickly. In addition to the ISPS Code, there are also other international maritime safety and security regulations such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), and the International Labor Organization’s Maritime Labor Convention (MLC). All of these international regulations strive to safeguard the safety of ships, port facilities, and their crew.

What is the scope of the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code?

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