The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (1974/1988). Having come into force in 2004, it prescribes responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.
The Code is a two-part document describing minimum requirements for security of ships and ports. Part A provides mandatory requirements. Part B provides guidance for implementation.
The main objectives of the ISPS Code are:
· To detect security threats and implement security measures
· To establish roles and responsibilities concerning maritime security for governments, local administrations, ship and port industries at the national and international level
· To collate and promulgate security-related information
· To provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and procedures to react to changing security levels