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Port Security

ISPS code

The ISPS Code is an international regulation that requires measures to be taken on behalf of protecting vessels and port facilities.

Basic principles

• all parties using vessels and port facilities must effectively work together and reach agreements with other;
• a security plans describes the measures that are required to be taken in the event of a threat;
• all companies that must comply with the ISPS Code, have a security officer.

ISPS objectives

• setting up an international framework between governments and the shipping industry;
• preventive measures against safety incidents;
• establishing tasks and responsibilities that are aimed at ensuring maritime safety;
• having a method in place to assess the security situation;
• having plans and procedures in place to respond to incidents;
• exchange and collect available and related information.

Examples of security measures

• prevent unauthorised persons from having access to vessels or port areas;
• preventing unauthorised weapons and explosives from being taken on board vessels or onto port sites;
• require that (compulsory) security plans for the vessels and port sites are based on a (compulsory) evaluation of the security situation;
• prescribe training and exercises to introduce the security plans to all persons involved.

ISPS security levels

• Security level 1: normal, always applies, enforcing the minimum required, security measures;
• Security level 2: enforcing additional security measures during a specific amount of time. This is due to an increased risk of a security incident;
• Security level 3: enforcing further special security measures during a specific amount of time. This occurs in the event that a security incident is likely or about to happen (even if the exact goal/target may not be known in advance).

ISPS security plan

Governments are required to assess and determine the security situation concerning vessels and port sites. Based on this analysis, security plans must be drawn up and the required measures executed. All measures must be laid down in writing, in one of the languages as approved by the IMO: English, French or Spanish.

The assessment must include the following components

• Evaluate and identify the goods, buildings and infrastructure;
• Identify potential threats;
• Describe and prioritise the measures that need to be taken;
• Identify the weak points in the infrastructure, policy and procedures.

This assessment can be executed by a certified security organisation and must be appointed by a government body.

Parts of the security plans

• Measures aimed at preventing weapons or other dangerous goods and instruments are taken on to the port site or on board a vessel;
• Measures aimed at preventing unauthorised access to the port site, vessels and restricted areas;
• Procedures that must be followed in the event of a security threat;
• Procedures for the evacuation of a port site in the event of a security threat;
• Procedures to report to incidents/events that concern the security;
• Identification of the security officer, including the ability to contact them 24 hours a day;
• Procedures for ship's personnel going on shore, exchanging crews, visitors and representatives of seaman's trade unions.

Security officer

Every port facility must appoint a security officer.

Security officer's tasks

• Conducting an initial assessment of the security situation;
• Executing and maintaining security plans;
• Conducting security inspections;
• Recommending and implementing improvements to the security plans;
• Providing training for the personnel;
• Responsible for security equipment.

Approved terminals

The list of approved terminals is available on the IMO's website. You can create a free account.

Practice

Under the ISPS code, security drills will be conducted for both vessels and port facilities.

This obligation is laid down in article 18 of the ISPS code. In the first half of 2008 a guideline was drawn up to clearly explain what the safety drills should entail, and how to comply with this practice requirement. These notes are limited to the compulsory practices and can be read in the document Leidraad ISPS oefening (in Dutch).

Incident reports

According to article 17.2 paragraph 7 of part A of the ISPS Code, the Port Facility Security Officer is required to "report to the competent authorities and to compile reports on incidents that could jeopardise the facility's security".

Direct reports

In the event of a security incident (e.g. the fence is breached) the PFSO will report to the local policy as soon as possible. If a facility is unable to function in accordance with the procedures as described in the security plan, the PFSO will report this via the PSO telephone to the Captain's room and the Port Security Officer (PSO). For the NZK area, the PSO's duties are momentarily still carried out by the acting harbour master. The PSO will consult with the enforcement agency responsible to what extent the loading/unloading  activities can still continue. If this has consequences on the flow of traffic, the Lock Command Centre (Sluis Leiding Centrum) will be notified.

Quarterly reports

Every quarter the PSO will compile the information from the incident reports, and reports these to the mayors' concerned via four quarterly reports.

Format

To make a report an incident (by the PFSO), download the following form.

Contact and Service

For telephone numbers and other contact information please click here.

Legislation

Links to ISPS related legislation are shown below

• Solas
• European legislation
• Port Security Act 

Port ID Numbers