Every shipping company that operates ships within the scope of the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code must draw up a special ship security plan for these vessels. The plan must describe all procedures and measures the crew should take to avert danger in the event of specific threats. The plan must be reviewed and approved by the ship’s flag state.
The shipping (or ship management) company must appoint a security officer charged with drawing up and ensuring compliance with the security plans for each ship. There must also be a designated Ship Security Officer on board each ship who is responsible for compliance with and implementation of the ship-specific security plan.
The ISPS Code defines three threat levels for threat situations existing in specific regions:
- Level 1 – Normal
- Level 2 – increased risk
- Level 3 – high risk
The risk levels applying to individual sea regions are determined by each flag state for its ships, or by each port state for the vessels in its national waters and ports. The security procedures and measures to be implemented on board the affected ships or by the relevant ports depend on the risk level set for the relevant region or location. Protective measures include, for example, controlled access to ships and terminals, registration requirements for visitors, and the handling of conspicuous objects.
