What are the requirements for international shipping under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code?

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) is a set of international regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to protect ships and ports from potential security threats in international shipping. This code, which went into effect in 2004, applies to all international vessels, port facilities, and port authorities. The most important requirement under the ISPS is the development of a Ship Security Plan (SSP). This is a plan that outlines the security measures the ship will take to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. It must be further approved by the port state, the governing body of the vessel’s flag state and by the IMO. The port facility and the vessel must also adhere to a number of security measures such as visitor and personnel access control, perimeter security and physical barriers, surveillance, information and communication system, access control to restricted areas, security training and drills, and security equipment maintenance. All vessels and port facilities must also ensure that there is a valid “Certificate of Compliance” in place. Under the ISPS, port authorities must also ensure that a port facility security assessment is conducted, and that the port facility has implemented a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). The PFSP outlines the security measures the port facility has taken to prevent, detect, and respond to any potential security threats. It must also be approved by the port state, the flag state and the IMO. In addition, all vessels must also use the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). This is a system designed to alert the port authorities and the flag state of any security threats that may arise. Finally, the ISPS also outlines that there should be a uniform system in place to assess the security of visiting vessels, and the port itself should be regularly checked and monitored by port security officers.

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What are the requirements for international shipping under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code?

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