Marine Security Management and ISPS Code Compliance

Introduction:

The security of maritime transportation, particularly for ships and ports of embarkation, is governed by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which is global in scope and shaped by member nations. The ISPS Code was established following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States and is annexed to the SOLAS 1974, Chapter XI-2, which specifically addresses the need for enhanced maritime security.

The ISPS Code, similar to many healthcare guidelines, contains both mandatory and optional parts, and it emphasizes a risk management strategy tailored to the specific needs of ships and port facilities. This ISPS Code and Marine Security Management course equips participants with the knowledge to assess threat levels and vulnerabilities, enabling them to implement appropriate security measures in line with the designated security levels.

Objectives:

Upon completing this maritime security training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand port facilities and their stakeholders in relation to the influence of the ISPS Code.
• Identify the essential regulatory and non-regulatory requirements of the ISPS Code.
• Apply risk assessment methods to develop a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA).
• Develop Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP) across three security levels with a deep understanding of threat severity.
• Manage shipboard security plans, ensuring cooperation with the ship’s officer and master.

Training Methodology:

• Role-playing scenarios
• Security simulations
• Risk assessment workshops
• Peer reviews
• Real-world applications
• Q&A sessions

Course Outline:

Unit 1: The Background to the International Maritime Security Framework

• Applicability and limitations of the ISPS Code.
• Types of port facilities.
• Protection categories.
• Principles of the ISPS Code.
• International treaties addressing maritime security certification.
• Detailed analysis of the ISPS Code and its practical applications.
• Operational requirements of the ISPS Code.
• Roles and duties of contracting governments.
• Overview of the Recognized Security Organization (RSO).
• Importance of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).

Unit 2: Recognition and Detection of Weapons, Dangerous Substances, and Devices

• Firearms
• Low explosives
• Incendiary devices
• Hand grenades
• High explosives
• Detonators
• Timing devices
• Batteries
• Timer power units

Unit 3: Introduction to Port Facility Security

• Security management organization structure.
• Responsibilities of security agencies.
• Handling confidential security data.
• Current trends and challenges in security.
• Methods of compromising security and countermeasures.
• Security architecture and systems.
• Behavioral analysis of potential security threats.
• Security-related communication nuances.

Unit 4: Port Facility Security Assessment

• New risk-handling tactics (e.g., 4:2:1 model).
• Risk assessment methods used by private security firms.
• CARVER analysis for decisive aspects.
• Emergency evacuation plan preparation.
• Planning searches as part of security operations.

Unit 5: Port Facility Security Plan

• Presentations followed by group discussions and activities.
• Group activities on content from Units 1-4.
• Preparation of Port Facility Security Plans based on participant case studies.
• Case studies on security levels 1, 2, and 3 for practical application.