Defending against Risks
International anti-terrorism security code (ISPS Code)

Although the most ecofriendly, cheapest and safest way to move goods is by sea, shipping is not without its hazards and risks. A distinction must be made, however, between the forces of nature and technical factors, on the one hand, and risks posed by human agency, on the other hand. In recent years, piracy, drug smuggling, stowaways and acts of terrorism have become issues of which both the general public and people with responsibilities have become increasingly aware.

After the attack on the World Trade Center in September 2001 - generally known as ”9/11” - the IMO responded relatively quickly to draw up stricter security rules for ships and ports. The first measure was the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiated by the US authorities. In accordance with the objectives specified in the latter, Hanseatic Lloyd listed, tested and reviewed all security precautions on board, and compiled these in a separate manual. Risk-exposed areas on board - such as the bridge, machine rooms, fuel tanks, storage space and holds - are defined as security zones. The manual was approved and recognised by the US cus­toms authorities (see OnBoard issue No. 1, July 2003).

The current security regime is mainly operated under the umbrella of an international anti-terrorism security code (the ISPS Code, or International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), which in turn forms part of the SOLAS regime that has been ratified by almost all the seafaring nations. The ISPS Code has been in force since mid-2004. The EU has adopted its main elements and established them as binding EU law. The aim is to improve the security of ships and ports world­wide by means of standardised, verifiable measures.

In January of this year, the International Maritime Bureau (www.icc-ccs.org) in Kuala Lumpur announced that the number of pirate attacks had increased by 10 % in 2007 to 263 in total. This increase was mainly due to a significantly larger number of attacks off the coasts of Somalia and Nigeria . Southeast Asia, and especially the Strait of Malacca , continues to be another piracy hotspot, although antipiracy measures are beginning to take effect there.

Averting risks for ships and ports

The ISPS Code is aimed at establishing security concepts not only for ships and shipping companies, but also for ports and port operators. The Code requires that a risk analysis must be carried out, that a ship security plan approved by a classification organisation, or the flag country must be produced and that security officers responsible for averting risks on ships and in the shipping company must be appointed. The mandatory ”International Ship Security Certificate” (ISSC) must be renewed every five years and is subject to intermediate inspection by the competent organization after two-and-a-half years.
However, of what use is the best concept, if it is not trained? Various security exercises must therefore be conducted at regular intervals. Similar rules apply to ports.

Traffic monitoring: AIS

Another of the elements introduced is the AIS Automatic Identification System. As the name suggests, the latter is an automatic shipborne, landbased and airborne communication/information system for exchanging ships' data. The identity of a ship, its size, cargo, port of destination and bearing, speed or radius of turn are communicated using AIS. The data can be made visible in electronic charts. It is possible with AIS to detect virtually all traffic at sea, in roadsteads and particularly in approaches and ports. Traffic control is made substantially easier, while ships are also informed in detail about surrounding traffic and can respond earlier. Due to this relatively tight web of clear-cut information (combined with normal radar), it is easier to detect objects that might constitute a threat to security (for example, unidentifiable fast boats).

Hidden alarm: SSAS

Many measures are focused on preventing a threatening situation from arising in the first place. If, despite these measures, a ship is attacked, every ship (over 500 GRT) now has hidden alarm buttons installed (Ship Security Alert System, SSAS). In the event of a pirate or terrorist attack, this system sends an alarm signal to the shipping company and to the competent authority of the state under whose flag the ship is sailing, if the security of the ship is directly threatened or compromised. Appropriate assistance is then coordinated and implemented immediately by the parties involved.

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