🔐 ISPS Code Onboard: How to Stay Secure, Compliant, and Prepared at Sea

My name is Davide Ramponi, I am 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. In my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

When we talk about maritime safety, most people think about SOLAS, fire drills, or lifeboats. But what about security—against piracy, smuggling, stowaways, or cyber threats?

In today’s interconnected world, maritime security has become just as critical as safety. And there’s one regulatory framework that ensures global standards are met: the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

From merchant vessels to offshore units, ISPS compliance is a non-negotiable part of modern operations. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood—often treated as a tick-the-box exercise, rather than a living, risk-based system.

In this post, I’ll break down the ISPS Code in simple terms, explain how to implement effective security measures onboard, highlight typical compliance pitfalls, and show how shipowners and ports can collaborate to keep maritime assets safe and secure.

Let’s raise the gangway and dive in. ⚓🔎

🧭 What Is the ISPS Code?

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was adopted by the IMO in 2002, as a direct response to growing threats like piracy and terrorism.

It became mandatory in 2004 under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, and applies to:

• All passenger ships

• Cargo ships ≥ 500 GT on international voyages

• Mobile offshore drilling units

• Port facilities serving such ships

📘 The code is divided into two parts:

• Part A – Mandatory requirements (e.g., Ship Security Plan)

• Part B – Recommended guidelines

💡 Bottom line: ISPS is about ensuring that both ships and port facilities are prepared for security threats—and have clear plans to manage them.

🚨 Onboard Security Measures & Risk Management

The ISPS Code doesn’t prescribe every detail—it leaves room for risk-based planning tailored to each vessel. That means security starts onboard.

📄 1. Ship Security Plan (SSP)

Every vessel must have a flag-approved SSP that:

• Identifies potential threats (unauthorized access, weapons, cyber risks)

• Outlines security procedures for different Security Levels (1, 2, 3)

• Assigns responsibilities to designated officers

• Details training and drill schedules

• Includes access control and communication protocols

👨‍✈️ Important: The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is responsible for implementing and maintaining this plan onboard.

🔍 2. Ship Security Assessment (SSA)

Before writing an SSP, an SSA must be conducted to identify:

• Existing vulnerabilities (e.g., exposed entry points, lack of lighting)

• Likelihood and consequences of different threats

• Recommended control measures

🚪 Example: A ship with multiple open deck access points and low night-time visibility may need extra barriers or CCTV systems.

🛂 3. Access Control & Identification

At the heart of ISPS is preventing unauthorized access.

Typical measures include:

• Visitor logs and photo IDs

• Gangway watch with radio contact

• Closed-circuit television (CCTV)

• Barriers, padlocks, and motion sensors

⚠️ Tip: Don’t forget about access from sea—boarding ladders, pilot doors, and cargo holds must be secured too.

🤝 Collaboration with Ports and Authorities

Compliance doesn’t stop at the waterline. The ISPS Code requires cooperation between ships and the ports they visit.

📡 1. Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)

Every port must have a PFSP that outlines:

• Controlled access points

• Restricted zones

• Security drills and exercises

• Coordination procedures with arriving ships

📋 2. Declaration of Security (DoS)

Before certain high-risk port calls or during heightened alert levels, a DoS must be signed between the ship and port.

🖊️ It specifies:

• Who is responsible for which security tasks

• Joint measures to be taken during the ship’s stay

• Contact points in case of emergencies

💬 Example: In high-risk ports, both the Master and Port Security Officer may agree on armed guards, restricted shore leave, or cargo scanning procedures.

⚠️ Common ISPS Compliance Issues (and How to Fix Them)

Even well-managed vessels can run into ISPS issues—especially during Port State Control (PSC) inspections.

1. ❌ Outdated Security Plans

Plans that haven’t been updated to reflect:

• New cyber threats

• Equipment changes

• Updated voyage routes

✅ Solution: Review the SSP annually and after any audit, drydock, or operational change.

2. ❌ Inadequate Training or Drills

Crew not familiar with:

• Security alert levels

• Lockdown procedures

• Emergency communication protocols

✅ Solution: Conduct quarterly security drills, and integrate scenarios like:

• Stowaway detection

• Suspicious package response

• Unauthorized boarding

3. ❌ Poor Access Control

Open gangways, unsecured stores, and missing watchmen are easy red flags.

✅ Solution: Implement 24/7 access watch in port and maintain a digital visitor logbook.

4. ❌ Miscommunication with Port Security

Failure to exchange timely information with local security providers or agents.

✅ Solution: Use a standardized pre-arrival checklist that includes:

• Security Level declaration

• Contact list of security personnel

• Planned shore access details

📚 Real-World Examples of ISPS in Action

🚢 Case 1: Prevented Intrusion at Anchor (West Africa, 2022)

A tanker waiting offshore in a high-risk piracy area detected a skiff approaching. Thanks to a well-drilled crew and a clear Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) procedure:

• The Master activated the SSAS

• Crew moved to a secure citadel

• Authorities were notified immediately

Result: No boarding occurred, and the ship continued its voyage safely.

⚓ Case 2: PSC Detention Due to SSP Violations (Mediterranean Port, 2021)

A general cargo vessel was detained after inspectors found:

• No record of recent drills

• SSP copy with outdated approval date

• SSO unaware of procedures at Security Level 2

Lesson learned: Compliance isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about training, readiness, and documentation.

🧠 Best Practices for Long-Term ISPS Compliance

Want to turn ISPS compliance from a chore into a competitive advantage?

Here’s how:

🧰 1. Digitalize Your Security Management

Use software or cloud systems to manage:

• Drill logs

• Visitor access records

• Security level transitions

• Crew training certificates

👨‍🏫 2. Train Beyond Minimum Requirements

Don’t just check boxes. Empower crew with practical scenarios and real incident reviews.

📊 3. Benchmark Against Other Fleets

Compare your security setup and procedures against:

• Sister vessels

• Industry averages

• PSC inspection results

🤝 4. Build Strong Port Partnerships

Stay in regular contact with terminal operators and port security officers, especially in regions prone to crime or conflict.

🗣️ Tip: A trusted relationship can mean faster clearance and better support in emergencies.

📌 Conclusion: Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The ISPS Code isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your crew, cargo, and company from real-world threats. By understanding the framework and integrating it into your operations, you turn your ship into a secure, trusted, and resilient part of the global supply chain.

Let’s recap:

• 🧭 ISPS is a global standard for ship and port facility security

• 🚨 Key tools include SSP, SSA, and access controls

• 🤝 Collaboration with ports and authorities is essential

• ⚠️ Common issues involve outdated plans, poor training, and weak access protocols

• 📚 Real-life examples show the power of proactive planning

• ✅ Best practices include digital records, ongoing drills, and cross-ship benchmarking

How does your vessel manage ISPS compliance? Have you had to respond to a security threat onboard?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — I look forward to the exchange!

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