The importance of international port security : an examination of the international ship and port facility security code

Abstract

This paper sets out to examine the importance of the Ship and Port Security. More specifically, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code in the surrounding climate of maritime security threats with particular reference to piracy and terrorism as transnational organized crime. The paper seeks to explore some of the most notable maritime security incidents in the last couple of decades which have alerted the International Maritime Organization and the whole International Community at large of the magnitude of such security threats. It delves into the importance of the SOLAS 2002, Chapter X-I2 amendment; as a comprehensive set of security measures outlining the main responsibilities of the Contracting Governments and international leading players. This paper attempts to examine the main tenets of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and shed light on the proactive nature of the ISPS Code. This is considered alongside with EU Regulations and Directives that complement the implementation and ensure compliance and monitoring of the ISPS Code’s provisions on ships and port facilities of EU Member States. The ISPS Code is examined as an effective instrument with the aim of preventing and deterring possible security threats at the start of the global transport chain. A brief analysis of the risk-based approach is undertaken in order to explain how contracting governments employ the set security-levels on ships flying their flags and port facilities to off-set their vulnerabilities and protect critical infrastructure.