Advisory and certification services

Like safety, maritime security is of paramount importance to the operation of a vessel. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code came into force on July 1, 2004 and is applicable to all vessels over 500 grt operating on international trades, as well as the ports that service them.

We have played a proactive role in helping the industry to implement the ISPS Code and offers a full range of statutory certification services to help you maintain compliance. We also offer ISPS training courses.

What is the ISPS Code?

The ISPS Code provides a framework through which ships and port facilities can co-operate to detect and deter acts which pose a threat to maritime security. The Code:

  • enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework
  • establishes roles and responsibilities
  • enables collection and exchange of security information
  • provides a methodology for assessing security
  • ensures that adequate security measures in place.
  • It requires ship and port facility staff to:
  • gather and assess information
  • maintain communication protocols
  • restrict access, prevent the introduction of unauthorised weapons, etc.
  • provide the means to raise alarms
  • put in place vessel and port security plans and ensure training and drills are conducted.
  • The regulatory provisions do not extend to the actual response to security incidents or to any necessary clear-up activities after such an incident.

How can Lloyd's Register help?

We offer a full suite of services to help you comply with the ISPS Code in the most practical and cost-effective manner.

  • We can provide you with expert security advice delivered at a level that suits your needs.
  • You receive the assistance you need to develop and implement an effective security management system that meets the requirements of the Code.

ISPS certification for ships

If the ISPS Code applies to your ship, it must have an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) in order to operate. As a Recognised Security Organisation for the major flag administrations, we can carry out security plan approvals and verification audits, leading to the issue of an ISSC for your ship.

Advisory services for port operators

The ISPS code requires that security assessments are carried out and that security plans are developed. Because no two ports or port facilities are the same, we will work with you to develop the most efficient and cost-effective range of advisory services suited to your organisation.

Port and port facilities can be very complex. We can provide you with a gap analysis against the requirements necessary to achieve compliance with the ISPS Code and national requirements. Our analysis will identify the training needs of your port facility security officers (PFSOs) and others, and describe how to develop port facility security assessments (PFSAs) where applicable, and port facility security plans (PFSPs) for approval by contracting governments.

You may be able to use the gap analysis as the basis for an action plan, enabling you to develop your PFSP in-house. Should you require further assistance, we can work with you to develop a package that is tailored to your specific needs.

Training services for CSOs, SSOs and PFSOs

Required by some flag administrations, although not specifically required by the Code, is the need for security management training. We have developed programmes for company, ship and port facility security officers, details of which can be provided on request.