What is the ISPS Code?

The ISPS Code is the International Ship and Port Facility’s security code. It serves as a
way to regulate maritime operations to ensure the security of ports, cargo, ships, and
the crew on board vessels.
The ISPS code is a framework for ports worldwide that allows them to cooperate,
interact, and prevent events that may threaten maritime security. The primary goal of
the ISPS code is to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place to
protect the crew, cargo, and ships whenever there’s a threat.
It’s also in place to ensure that the proper preventive measures are in place to reduce
the chances of security threats happening in the first place. As a result, the ISPS code
involves:
 Monitoring cargo activity and crew operations
 Provide security levels for ships
 Implement responsibilities for port and onboard officers, local administrations, and
shipping ports
 Collect data on maritime security threats and implement measures to handle the threats
 Detect onboard security threats and implement measures to address them
 Establish definite roles for governments, local administrations, and offices
Who Has to Comply with ISPS?
The ISPS code is a part of SOLAS, which means the ships from all countries that
signed the treaty engaged in international travel need to abide by the code. ISPS code
doesn’t apply to warships, ships with less than 500 GT, non-commercial yachts, wooden
ships, and fishing boats.
Both passenger ships and cargo vessels carrying 3,000 tonnes or more are required to
comply with ISPS code. Ships that don’t follow ISPS code may be denied entry to ports,
sent away from ports, and will not be issued an International Ship Security Certificate.
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ISPS Requirements
To start, ISPS code requires that all ships with more than 500GT have a Ship Security
Plan. Through the code, ports, ships, and local government agencies may cooperate in
determining and addressing security threats in the maritime industry.
Some of the main ISPS code requirements include prohibiting the use and carry of
unauthorized weapons within ships and port facilities, restricting unauthorized ship
access, and establishing security zones. They also include establishing ship security
plans, as well as proper training to establish the plans and ensure that everyone
involved understands the proper protocol in the event of security threats.
The 3 Levels of ISPS
ISPS Code has three levels of security. This is to indicate the risk level that a ship or
port is currently facing, with the accompanying protocol for what to do in the event of
these risks. The local port authority consults with the local government to determine the
security levels, and they then have to communicate the security levels to the ships for
combined action.
Level One
The first level of security is the baseline for all ports and ships. This is used to describe
the normal security conditions of the location and is the normal security level of most
ports and ships. Under security level one, the minimum security measures need to be
maintained at all times.
Level Two
This level indicates heightened security. This level is put in place whenever there’s a
heightened risk or security threat. When there’s heightened security, the security
experts on board or in the port decide how long to maintain heightened security. When
level two is in place, additional security measures and controls will be in place as long
as the port or ship remains on security level two.
Level Three
This describes an exceptional security level. This means that there is an imminent
security threat to the port or the ship and that specific security measures will be in place
to handle the threat. If there is a level three security threat, the authorities will work with
government agencies to handle the situation. During this time, they may also implement
various protocols that were decided in the event of these types of situations.
What is the ISPS Charge?
The ISPS charge is a surcharge that some customers may have to pay for certain
goods.
Complying with ISPS code is very important to ensure that a ship or port can operate
internationally as well as to keep the crew and cargo as safe as possible. That said,
complying with ISPS code usually means allocating funds for security training, security
measures, and other requirements.
So, carriers may pass over some of these costs to the customers by charging an “ISPS
charge.” Generally, the party that pays for the freight is required to pay the ISPS charge.
In most cases, this will be the consignee or shipper.
ISPS code is integral for maritime security and it also gives organizations the ease of
mind that security measures are in place to protect employees and cargo. And to
ensure compliance with ISPS code, some carriers may include an ISPS charge in their
invoice.
How to Comply with ISPS Code Using SafetyCulture
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Complying with ISPS code, while necessary, can be difficult. For example, ensuring that all the
crew are trained and brief on the Ship Security Plan and what to do in the event of different
security levels is a tall task, and actually implementing the security measures to ensure
compliance is even tougher.
This is when digital tools can come in handy for many organizations. For example, conducting
an internal ISPS audit is crucial to assess whether or not the organization is ISPS compliant. And
to do that, teams can use our internal ISPS audit templates that make it easier to check for
compliance.
Additionally, tools such as SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) can also make it easier to comply
with ISPS code. While the tool works best with an internet connection, it can also work offline
and sync later on when there’s a more stable connection, so you won’t lose functionality when
out at sea.
Some of the features SafetyCulture offer to smoothen out operations and ensure ISPS code
compliance are:
 Various smart checklist templates to check processes and equipment at ports or on ships
 Facilitates workplace communications to ensure that every team member is on the same page
 A reporting system for employees to report any irregularities or concerns as soon as they are
detected
 The EdApp for training the crew to ensure that they are knowledgeable and compliant with the
ISPS cod