Security and ISPS

The IMO (International Maritime Organization), part of the United Nations, has developed elaborate guidelines for maritime security. These have been accepted by the Dutch government.

Since the 1st of July 2004 the guidelines, the ISPS code (International Ship Port Facility Security), apply. This regulation obliges ships and port facilities to take security measures. The first step is to closely monitor the interaction between ship and shore and the crew onboard and ashore.

The next step is the total security of the port areas and also takes into account the companies in the port area that do not have interaction with ships.

More information?

• Read more the ISPS code background

Port security plan

To become a safe and reliable port a port security plan must be developed for the entire North Sea Canal area.

Starting points port security plan

• The ISPS code has been implemented since the 1st of July 2004
• The plan applies to all ports and port facilities within the communities of Velsen, Beverwijk, Amsterdam and Zaanstad
• Industries with port facilities have their own port facility security plan at their disposal
• This plan describes preventive measures that have to be taken by ships and facilities at different security levels
• Public order and security is the responsibility of the mayors of the involved communities, in close cooperation with the police and port authorities

More information?

• ISPS Code, tells you more about the port security plan and ISPS code

Current developments

The Port of Amsterdam supports companies that according to the ISPS code have to develop a Port Security Plan.

At national level a Self Risk Assessment Tool has been developed. With this tool a company can carry out risk assessment for every facility of that company, on the basis of which a security plan can be drawn up.

When this plan has been approved, one of the most important obligations of the ISPS code and EU legislation has been complied with.
The application for the Self Risk Assessment Tool can be reached on the internet since the end of October 2004. 

More information?

• Port of Amsterdam, Nautical Department,
  telephone +31 (0) 20  5234 759, or by e-mail