ISPS

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Overview

On 1 July 2004 a new maritime security regulatory regime was adopted into the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 as amended, namely chapter XI-2 on Special measures to enhance maritime security, which includes the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It was adopted in response to the terrorist acts of September 11 (2001) in the United States, following which, the international community recognised the need to protect the international maritime transport sector against the threat of terrorism.

The ISPS Code, contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies. Is divided into two sections, a mandatory Part A, and a series of guidelines on how to meet the requirements of Part A in a non-mandatory Part B.