What is the background and scope of ISPS?

On 12 December 2002 chapter XI-2 “Special measures to enhance maritime security” of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 was adopted by IMO.

From this chapter of SOLAS reference is made to the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which contains mandatory requirements to the security of ships and port facilities. The ISPS Code entered into force 1 July 2004.

The ISPS Code contains in Part A a set of mandatory requirements to ships and port facilities, while Part B contains guidance to the requirements stated in SOLAS XI-2 and in the ISPS Code Part A.

As major Contracting Governments like US and the governments of EU are regarding relevant sections of part B as being mandatory, also DNV has adopted this view and is including the ship specific requirements of Part B to be mandatory when executing the duties as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO).