AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS
ACCELERATED AIS IMPLEMENTATION
The existing SOLAS Reg. V/19.2.4(effective 1st July 2002) requires AISinstallation on new and existing ships.
The applicability date for existing ships on international voyages, is spread over a period from 1 July 2003 to 1 July 2007 depending on ship type and size.
ENHANCED SECURITY REGULATIONS IN SOLAS
Existing SOLAS Chapter XI "Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety" renumbered as XI-1; with amendments to Reg. 3 "Ship identification number" and addition of a new Reg. 5 "Continuous synopsis record".
Chapter (XI re-numbered) XI/1
Reg. 3 amendment - Ship identification number to be marked permanently (on existing ships at 1st scheduled dry-dock after 1 July 2004) in a visible and in an easily accessible place.
New Reg. 5 - All ships to be issued with a continuous synopsis record intended to provide an on-board record of the history of the ship. On existing ships the record shall provide history, at least, as from 1 July 2004.
Chapter (XI re-numbered) XI/1
Continuous Synopsis Record :
To be issued by the Administration to each ship under its flag
In case of changes, Administration to issue amended record
To be kept on board and available for inspection at all times
NEW CHAPTER XI/2
The new Chapter XI-2 titled " Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security"
Has 13 regulations on security related requirements for ships and ports. Refers to the ISPS Code Parts A and B
3. OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS WITH RESPECT TO SECURITY
ADMs shall set security levels and ensure that information on security levels is provided to ships under their flag.
CGs shall set security levels and ensure that information on security levels is provided to port facilities within their territory, and to ships prior to entering a port or whilst in a port within their territory.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPANIES AND SHIPS
Companies and ships :
Ships :
5. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPANIES
Company to ensure that master has available on board information through which officers duly authorized by CG can establish :
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Who is responsible for appointing ship's personnel in any capacity on the business of that ship
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Who is responsible for deciding the employment of the ship
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When ship is employed under terms of charter party(ies); who are the parties to such charter party(ies).
6. SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM
Required to be provided on
Oil & chemical tankers, gas & bulk carriers, and cargo HS craft, of ≥ 500 GT; Passenger ships including HS passenger craft;not later than the 1st survey of radio installation after 1 July 2004other cargo ships of ≥ 500 GT and mobile offshore drilling units;not later than the 1st survey of radio installation after 1 July 2006
Shall initiate & transmit alert to a competent authority designated by ADM
Shall identify ship, its location and indicate that ship's security is under threat
Shall not send the alert to any other ship nor raise alarm on board
Shall continue the alert until deactivated or reset
Have activation possible from bridge & at least one other location
7. THREATS TO SHIPS
CGs shall, for ships operating in or having communicated an intention to enter their territorial sea :
8. MASTER'S DISCRETION FOR SHIP SECURITY
Master shall not be constrained, by the Company or others, from taking or executing any decision which, in his professional judgment, is necessary to maintain the ship's safety and security.
This includes denial of access to persons (except those identified as duly authorized by a CG) or their effects, refusal to load cargo including containers or other closed cargo transport units.
9. CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE MEASURES
Controls for ships in a port of another CG :
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Such ships are subject to control by officers duly authorized by that CG, who may be same as those carrying out functions of Reg. I/19.
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Such controls shall be limited to verifying availability on board, of a valid ISSC or Interim ISSC issued under provisions of Part A of ISPS Code.
A valid certificate shall be accepted unless there areclear groundsfor believing that the ship is not in compliance with requirements of this chapter or Part A of ISPS Code.
Where no valid cert is produced or when there are suchclear grounds, the officers duly authorized may impose control measures. Such measures must be proportionate, taking into account guidance in Part B of ISPS Code.
Possible control measures :
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Inspection of the ship
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Delaying or detention of the ship
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Restrictions of operations including movement within port
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Expulsion from port
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Additionally or alternatively, other lesser administrative or corrective measures.
9.2 Ships intending to enter a port of another CG :
May be required to provide relevant information to officers duly authorized, before entering the port.
Such information includes the following :
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Confirmation of possession of valid certificate
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Current security level on board
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Security level operated in and any special or additional security measures taken in any previous port Other practical security related information.
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Master may decline to provide the information requested on the understanding that this may result in denial of entry into port.
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Ships shall keep records of relevant information for last 10 calls at PFs.
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If, after receiving the information, officers duly authorized have clear grounds to believe that the ship does not comply with this chapter os ISPS Part A, the officers shall attempt to establish communication with and between the ship & its ADM with a view to rectify the noncompliance.
10. REQUIREMENTS FOR PORT FACILITIES
PFs to comply with relevant parts of this chapter and ISPS Code Part A; guidance in ISPS Code Part B to be taken into account
CGs to ensure that :
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PF security assessments are carried out, reviewed and approved in accordance with provisions of Part A of ISPS Code
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PFS plans are developed, reviewed, approved and implemented as provided for in ISPS Code Part A
CGs shall designate & communicate measures to be addressed in PFS plan for various security levels; including when a Declaration of Security is to be submitted.
11. ALTERNATIVE SECURITY AGREEMENTS
CGs may conclude in writing, bilateral or multilateral agreements with other CGs on alternative security arrangements covering short international voyages on fixed routes between port facilities within their territories.
Such agreements shall not compromise the level of security of other ships or of port facilities not covered by the agreement.
Any ship covered by such an agreement shall not conduct any ship-to-ship activities with any ship not covered by the agreement.
12. EQUIVALENT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
Other security measures equivalent to and at least as effective as those prescribed in this chapter or in Part A of ISPS Code may be allowed :
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By an Administration on a particular ship or a group of ships entitled to fly its flag
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By a CG in a particular port facility or a group of port facilities located within its territory, other than those covered by an agreement concluded under Reg. 11
The Administration or the CG, as applicable, shall communicate to IMO particulars of any such equivalent measures allowed.
13. COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION
Contracting governments shall, not later than 1 July 2004, communicate to IMO certain relevant information and thereafter update such information as and when necessary. IMO shall circulate such particulars to other CGs for the information of their officers
1. Such information shall include names and contact details of :
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the national authority/authorities responsible for ship and port facility security; including those designated to receive & act upon ship-to-shore security alerts
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those designated to receive and act upon any communications from CGs exercising control & compliance measures Continued
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Those designated to provide advice or assistance to ships and to whom ships can report any security concerns (The information against above 3 details is to be made available for the information of Companies and Ships)
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any RSO authorized to act on their behalf and the details of the specific responsibility and conditions of authority delegated to such organizations
2. CGs shall send, to IMO, list showing the approved PFS plans for the PFs located within their territory together with the location or locations covered by each approved PFS plan. CGs shall, at 5 year intervals after 1 July 2004, communicate to IMO a revised and updated list. IMO shall make available the information to other CGs upon request.
3. CGs shall communicate to IMO information on agreements concluded under Regulation 11 and any amendments or ending of such agreement.
4. Any CG which allows any equivalent security arrangements with respect to a ship or with respect to a port facility shall communicate to IMO particulars thereof.
ISPS CODE
GENERAL
ISPS Code - Objectives
To establish An international framework involving co-operation between CGs, Govt agencies, local administrations and shipping & port industries to detect security threats and take preventive measures.
To establish respective roles and responsibilities of CGs, Govt agencies, local administrations and shipping & port industries.
ISPS Code - Functional requirements
Gathering & assessing information on security threats & exchanging it with appropriate CGs.
Requiring maintenance of communication protocols for ships & PFs
Preventing unauthorized access to ships, PFs & their restricted areas.
Preventing introduction of unauthorized weapons, incindiary devices or explosives to ships or PFs.
Providing means for raising alarm in reaction to security incidents.
Requiring ship & PF security plans based upon security assessments.
Requiring training, drills and exercises to ensure familiarity with security plans and procedures.
ISPS Code - Responsibilities of CGs
CGs have the overall responsibility for maritime security regime in their areas of jurisdiction.
For port facilities, CGs will identify the organization(s) or the administration(s), within the Contracting Government, as"designated authority".
Maritime Administrations would normally have the responsibilities in respect of security of ships under their flag.
CGs shall set security levels & provide guidance for protection from security incidents.
Factors to be considered in setting levels :
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The degree that the threat information is credible
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The degree that the threat information is corroborated
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The degree that the threat information is specific or imminent
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The potential consequences of such a
Duties of CGs, under Chp XI-2 and ISPS Code
Part A, that can not be delegated to RSO :
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Setting of security level
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Approving a PFS Assessment and/or a PFS Plan and subsequent amendments
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Determining which PFs require to designate PFSO
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Exercising control & compliance measures
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Establishing the requirements for a Declaration of Security
ISPS Code - Declaration of security
Declaration of security :
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CGs shall determine when it is required by assessing the risk the ship/port interface or ship to ship activity poses to people, property or the environment
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A ship may request completion of DOS
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To be completed by the master or the SSO on behalf of ship AND PFSO or any other body identified by CG on behalf of port facility
ISPS CODE
SHIP SECURITY
COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES - OVERALL
Ensure that the Company and ships comply with relevant requirements of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and of Part A of the ISPS Code, taking into account the guidance given in Part B of the ISPS Code.
Ensure that compliance by ships is verified and certified as provided for in part A of ISPS Code.
COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES - SPECIFIC
Designate a company security officer (CSO).
Designate a ship security officer (SSO) on each ship.
Ensure that CSO, appropriate shore based Company personnel and the SSO receive the necessary training.
Ensure availability with ship's Master, at all times, of following information (updated and kept current) :
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Who is responsible for appointing the crew members or others employed or engaged on the ship in any capacity on the business of that ship
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Who is responsible for deciding employment of the ship
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When ship is employed under the terms of charter party(ies), who are the parties to such charter party(ies)
Establish in the ship security plan that the master has the overriding authority and responsibility :
Ensure that CSO, the Master of the ship and SSO are given the necessary support to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
Ensure that internal audits of security activities are carried out at planned intervals, findings are reviewed and that appropriate corrective measures are taken, where necessary
Ensure following is installed on ships by the applicable date :
ISPS Code Ship Security Assessment
CSO to ensure that SSA is carried out by persons with appropriate skills to evaluate the security of a ship
RSO may carry out SSA
SSA shall be documented, reviewed & retained by the Company
SSA shall include an on-scene security survey
SSA shall include at least the identification of :
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existing security measures, procedures and operations
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and evaluation of key shipboard operations
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possible threats to such operations and the likelihood of their occurrence, in order to establish and prioritize security measures
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identification of weaknesses, including human factors in the infrastructure, policies & procedures
ISPS Code - Ship security plan
ADM to approve
RSO may prepare SSP for a specific ship
ADM may entrust review & approval of SSP or its amendments to RSO ( Provided that RSO is not involved in either preparing the SSA or SSP or amendments)
Shall be available on board and protected from unauthorized access or disclosure
Not subject to inspection under control & compliance measures
ISPS Code - Records
Records of following activities addressed in SSP shall be maintained on board :
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Training, drills & exercises
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Security threats, security incidents & breaches of security
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Changes in security level
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Communications relating to the direct security of the ship such as specific threats to the ship or to port facilities the ship is at or has been
Internal audits & reviews of security activities
Periodic review of the SSA
Periodic review of the SSP
Implementation of any amendments to the plan
Maintenance, calibration and testing of security equipment, if any including testing of the ship security alert system
ISPS Code - CSO and SSO
CSO and SSO :
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Company shall designate a person or persons as CSO and clearly identify for which ship/s each person is responsible. CSO & appropriate shore-based personnel shall have knowledge and have received training.
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A SSO shall be designated for each ship. He shall have knowledge and have received training.t HQ
SSOs for Ships in Group A
CSO for Ships in Group A
CSO for Ships in Group B
SSOs for Ships in Group B
COMPANY (Top Mgmt.)
ISPS Code - Training, drills & exercises on ship security
Drills shall be carried out at appropriate intervals to ensure effective implementation of the SSP, taking into account
CSO shall ensure effective coordination & implementation of SSP by participating in the exercises at appropriate intervals
ISPS CODE - PORT FACILITY & SECURITY
Port facility security
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PF is required to act upon security levels set by the CG
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Security measures & procedures are to be applied in such a manner as to cause minimum interference with or delays to passengers, ships, ship's personnel & visitors, goods and services.
ISPS Code - PFSA
Port Facility Security Assessment :
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To be carried out by CG concerned
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CG may authorize RSO to carry out PFSA of a specific PF within its territory
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When carried out by RSO, to be reviewed & approved by CG
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PFSA to be reviewed & updated periodically
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A PFSA may cover more than one PF if operator, location, operation & design are similar
PFSA shall include at least following elements:
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Identification and evaluation of important assets & infrastructure, possible threats to these & likelihood of their occurrence, in order to establish & prioritize security measures
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Identification, selection and prioritization of counter measures, procedural changes & their effectiveness in reducing vulnerability
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Identification of weaknesses, including human factors in the infrastructure, policies and procedures
ISPS Code - PFSP
Port Facility Security Plan :
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Each PF to maintain PFSP, adequate for ship/port interface
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RSO may prepare PFSP for a specific PF
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PFSP to be approved by CG
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PFSP may be combined with or be a part of the port security plan or any other port emergency plan
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A PFSP may cover more than one PF if operator, location, operation & design are similar
ISPS Code - PFSO
Port Facility Security Officer :
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To be designated for each PF. A person may be designated as PFSO for one or more PFs.
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PFSO & appropriate PF security personnel shall have knowledge & have received training.
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PFSO shall ensure effective coordination & implementation of PFSP by participating in exercises at appropriate intervals.
ISPS Code - Training, drills and exercises
To ensure effective implementation of the PFSP, drills shall be carried out at appropriate intervals, taking into account :
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Types of operations of PF
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PF personnel changes
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Type of ship the PF is serving
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Other relevant circumstances
PFSO shall ensure effective coordination & implementation of PFSP by participating in exercises at appropriate intervals
ISPS Code - Statement of compliance of a PF
CG may issue an appropriate SoCPF, indicating :
- That the PF complies with Chp XI-2 and ISPS Code Part A
- The period of validity of the SoCPF (to be specified by CG but not to exceed 5 years)
- Subsequent verification arrangements established by the CG and a conformation when these are carried out.