What is the ISPS Code?

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a comprehensive
set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities , developed in response to the perceived
threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
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The ISPS Code is implemented through chapter XI-2 Special measures to enhance a
maritime security in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ( SOLAS). i
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The Code has two parts, one mandatory and one recommendatory. -
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In essence, the Code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships and port e
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facilities is a risk management activity and that, to determine what security measures T
are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be made in each particular case. r
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The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardised, consistent framework for n
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evaluating risk, enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in r
vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate security
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levels and corresponding security measures. r
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Who has to comply with the ISPS Code? r
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The ISPS Code is part of SOLAS so compliance is mandatory for the 148 Contracting m
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Parties to SOLAS - see Status of Conventions complete list for list of SOLAS Contracting
Governments.
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Is there a black list of countries not in compliance with the ISPS code? P
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No. IMO does not issue a "black list" of any kind. There is no IMO list of ports or flag C
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States which are not in compliance. d
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The ISPS Code database contains the information required by SOLAS regulation XI-2/13 as
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supplied by Contracting Governments. Lack of inclusion in the database should not be t
construed automatically as failure to comply with the requirements in SOLAS. a
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Are all IMO Member States obliged to comply with the ISPS Code?
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No. Only States who are Contracting Governments to SOLAS have a legal obligation to comply with p
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the requirements of the ISPS Code and to submit information to IMO. a
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What are the different security levels referred to in the ISPS Code? I
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Security level 1: normal, the level at which the ship or port facility normally operates. S
Security level 1 means the level for which minimum appropriate protective security
measures shall be maintained at all times. C
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Security level 2: heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a heightened e

risk of a security incident. d

Security level 2 means the level for which appropriate additional protective security a
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measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a a
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