International Maritime Organization Issues FAQ on ISPS Code and Maritime Security
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) and maritime security measures adopted by the IMO.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
According to IMO, the ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. The purpose of the ISPS Code is to provide a standardized, 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 ISPS Code, along with certain security requirements contained in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), is scheduled to be implemented on July 1, 2004. The following are highlights of the questions contained in the IMO's FAQ (partial list):
What guidelines are there for dealing with ships/ports that are not compliant after July 1, 2004?
What would happen to ships if they do not comply with the ISPS Code requirements and if they do not have the International Ship Security Certificate?
How can I find out if a ship or port is compliant?
How will the ISPS code specifically affect ports and shipping in different regions of the world?
Who has to implement the ISPS Code?
What penalties will there be on any Governments who do not ensure compliance with the ISPS Code?
(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/25/04 news, 04062505, for BP summary of DHS' measures to implement ISPS Code and MTSA security requirements.)
IMO's FAQ available athttp://www.imo.org/Newsroom/mainframe.asp?topic_id=898&doc_id=3669