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. The ISPS Code is implemented through chapter XI-2 Special measures to enhance maritime security in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The Code has two parts, one mandatory and one recommendatory.

In essence, the Code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is a risk management activity and that, to determine what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be made in each particular case. The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardised, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures.

The Goals

At the end of the 5 day seminar, delegates should be able to:

• Define the nature of their facility and how they are affected by the requirements of the ISPS code
• Identify the mandatory and guidance regulations of the ISPS code
• Develop risk assessment tools towards the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)
• Construct the 3 levels of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) with enhanced knowledge of security issues
• Effectively operate and interact the port facility security plan with the ships security officer and ships master.

The Process

The delegates will be involved in the latest trends in seminar presentations. The classroom presentations are made up of interactive practical exercises, supported by audio visual material and case studies. Delegates will be expected to participate actively in relating the principles of Maritime security management to the specific needs for their industry. This practical development of skills will benefit delegates who then can return to work ready for implementation of security measures and plans.

The Benefits

The programme will identify best practices for leadership and management of maritime security roles including the main responsibilities for the port facility security officer (PFSO)

• Compliance with the ISPS code
• Prescribed Trade with ships engaged on international voyages and other categories covered by the code
• Enhanced risk assessment and critical infrastructure identification
• Robust security countermeasures to enhance protection
• Increase in professional reputation

The Results

Delegates attending this seminar will gain an understanding of the strong business reasons why organisations and contracting governments should effectively manage and plan to protect their human and physical resources, through maritime security leadership and management.

• Dedicated Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
• Dedicated Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)
• Dedicated Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
• Understanding of Training drills and exercises
• Knowledge of prior notification procedures and declarations of security

The Core Competencies

The ISPS code section 1.16 states that contracting governments have to ensure that a port facility security assessment be completed by a designated authority or recognised security organisation. Following this, a port facility security officer will be appointed and a port facility plan produced.

The PFSO must be able to interact with ships security officers (SSO) and company security officers (CSO).

The ISPS code section 18.1 states that a PFSO should have knowledge and receive training in various security subjects. These subjects are covered within the five day seminar.

The Programme Content

The Background to the International Maritime Security Framework

• Who the code applies to
• Types of port facilities
• Protection categories
• Understand the ISPS code
• To understand the relevant international conventions, codes and recommendations relating to the ISPS Code
• To understand the Parts of the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Code
• To understand the Application of the ISPS Code
• To understand the Functional Requirements of the ISPS Code
• To understand the Responsibilities of Contracting Governments
• To understand the Roles of Recognised Security Organisations (RSO)
• To understand the roles and responsibilities of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

Recognition and Detection of Weapons, Dangerous Substances and Devices

• Firearms
• Low explosives
• Incendiary devices
• Grenades
• High explosives
• Detonators
• Timers
• Batteries
• Timer power units
• Case studies

Introduction to Port Facility Security

• Security administration
• Responsibilities and functions of security organisations
• Handling sensitive security related information
• Knowledge of current security threats and patterns
• Techniques used to circumvent security
• Security equipment and systems
• Characteristics and behavioural patterns of persons likely to threaten security
• Security related communications

Port Facility Security Assessment

• Risk assessment 4: 2: 1
• Risk assessment methodology
• Key point identification CARVER
• Evacuation planning
• Search planning

Port Facility Security Plan

Day 5 will bring together the discussions and group work of days 1 – 4 with the format of the port facility security plan for the delegate’s port of responsibility.

• Case study development of security Level 1
• Case study development of security Level 2
• Case study development of security Level 3