INTRODUCTION

The multi-dimensional nature of international shipping has resulted in Maritime Security being considered as a very broad concept that seeks to address a spectrum of security issues within the maritime industry such as piracy, smuggling, stowaways and illegal immigration, safeguarding ships against unlawful acts against safe navigation, terrorism, cyber threats and environmental disasters.

IMO Maritime Security initiatives such as the amendments to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which includes a new chapter XI-2 “Special measures to enhance maritime security”. The maritime security measures are designed to protect ships, port facilities, offshore platforms, and seafarers, and are expected to yield the desired outcomes of:

·        Reduced risk of travel or trade disruptions in response to security threats.

·        Improved security against theft and diversion of cargo, with reductions in direct losses and indirect costs.

·        Improved security against illegal transport of passengers and goods such as counterfeits, narcotics, weapons, and of persons.

·        Security against the illegal trade in endangered species and cultural heritage artifacts.

·        Confidence in the information systems supporting the complex transactions and highly technical operations within the maritime industry.

·        Increased confidence in the international trading system by current and potential shippers of goods.

·        Without sound maritime security, global trade and the world’s economies would be at risk for significant disruptions as the shipping industry would not be able to optimize all its operational systems.

ISPS Code

The International Ship and Port Facility Safety (ISPS) Code is a set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities that were developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities after the 9/11 attacks. The Code is part of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and compliance is mandatory for all Contracting Parties to SOLAS.