ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Safety) or International Ship and Port Facility Safety Code is an agreement adopted by the International Maritime Organization IMO in 2004 to establish a common cooperation and safety framework to detect threats and take action. Prevent them.
The main objectives of ISPS rules are:
- Establish an international framework to guide cooperation between governments, government agencies, local governments, and the shipping industry to detect security threats and take action against any incidents that may affect the safety of ships or port facilities.
- Define the roles and responsibilities of governments, shipping companies or port agencies involved in any maritime traffic operation.
- Ensure continuous, effective and flexible information about the safety of ships and facilities.
- Provide a method for assessing the situation in order to develop plans and procedures to respond to changes in the different security levels specified in ISPS.
In Fletalia, as experts in transporting goods anywhere, we cooperate with major shipping companies around the world, and these companies are subject to ISPS regulations in all operations and journeys.
Three levels
This specification applies to ships with an international voyage of at least 500 GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage), offshore mobile drilling platforms and port facilities serving such ships. This is an international agreement divided into two parts: mandatory requirements and guidelines.
ISPS rules establish three levels of security:
- Level 1 (standard): This is the level at which ships and port facilities operate normally.
- Level 2 (Enhanced): If the risk increases, this method should be used.
- Level 3 (extraordinary): This level is set as a time period when a security incident is likely or imminent.
Why was it created?
The increase in international maritime traffic, coupled with important events such as the September 11 attacks in 2001, has led people to talk about the real risks of threats that could affect maritime trade. It is necessary to adopt a global response based on international cooperation and involve all participants in the main supply chain.
In this case, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) initiated ISPS, and the rapid development of ISPS in Europe led to the entry into force of the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No. 725/2004, which came into effect in July 2004. Safety of ships and port facilities.
