Question 1

Does the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) apply to LY3 superyachts?

Accepted Answer

Commercial LY3 yachts of 500GT+ on international voyages require ISPS compliance; smaller LY3 yachts remain exempt but need awareness when visiting ISPS-compliant port facilities.. Under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code applies to passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft, cargo ships of 500GT and upwards, including high-speed craft, and mobile offshore drilling units engaged on international voyages, and to port facilities serving such ships. The 500GT threshold applies to cargo ships, not mobile offshore drilling units. Commercial LY3 yachts of 500GT and upwards on international voyages require ISPS compliance. LY3 yachts under 500GT are not required by the ISPS Code to have a Ship Security Plan or Ship Security Officer. However, when visiting ISPS-compliant port facilities, they must follow the port's applicable security requirements, including completing a Declaration of Security if required by the relevant authority or facility. Masters should understand security levels 1, 2 and 3 and their implications for port entry.

Question 2

A vessel required to comply with the ISPS Code must have a Ship Security Plan (SSP). Who approves the SSP and what are its minimum contents?

Accepted Answer

The Administration or an authorised RSO approves the SSP, which must cover the measures and procedures specified in ISPS Code Part A, section 9.4, including access controls, security duties, threat responses, evacuation, audits, training, reporting and security equipment.. Under ISPS Code Part A, section 9, the SSP is based on a ship security assessment and approved by the flag State Administration or an RSO authorised to act on its behalf. An RSO may prepare the plan, but this is not required. An RSO reviewing and approving a particular SSP must not have been involved in preparing that plan or its underlying assessment. The company security officer ensures that the SSP is developed, submitted for approval, implemented and maintained.

The plan must address the three security levels. Section 9.4 specifies these minimum contents:
1. Measures to prevent unauthorised weapons, dangerous substances and devices intended for use against persons, ships or ports from being taken aboard.
2. Identification of restricted areas and measures to prevent unauthorised access to them.
3. Measures to prevent unauthorised access to the ship.
4. Procedures for responding to security threats or breaches, including maintaining critical ship or ship/port interface operations.
5. Procedures for responding to security instructions issued at security level 3.
6. Evacuation procedures for security threats or breaches.
7. Security duties of personnel assigned security responsibilities and of other shipboard personnel.
8. Procedures for auditing security activities.
9. Procedures for training, drills and exercises associated with the plan.
10. Procedures for interfacing with port facility security activities.
11. Procedures for periodic review and updating of the plan.
12. Procedures for reporting security incidents.
13. Identification of the ship security officer.
14. Identification of the company security officer, including 24-hour contact details.
15. Procedures for inspection, testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment provided aboard.
16. The frequency of testing or calibration of that equipment.
17. Identification of the locations of ship security alert system activation points.
18. Procedures, instructions and guidance for use of the ship security alert system, including testing, activation, deactivation, resetting and limiting false alerts.

The SSP must be protected from unauthorised access or disclosure.

Question 3

What are the responsibilities of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) under ISPS?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining and implementing SSP; inspecting security; proposing SSP amendments; reporting incidents; coordinating with port facilities and CSO; ensuring crew security training, drills and records.. ISPS Code Part A, section 12 sets out the SSO's duties. The SSO is accountable to the master for ship security. Responsibilities include regular security inspections; maintaining and supervising implementation of the SSP; coordinating the security aspects of cargo and stores handling; proposing SSP modifications; reporting security incidents; enhancing security awareness; ensuring appropriate crew training; coordinating with the CSO and relevant port facility security officers; and ensuring security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained. Security records must be kept as required by section 10. A Declaration of Security may be completed on behalf of the ship by the master or SSO. The ISSC is issued or endorsed by the Administration or an authorised recognised security organisation, not completed by the SSO. The master may also serve as the designated SSO.

ISPS Code, questions and explanations

Does the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) apply to LY3 superyachts?

A vessel required to comply with the ISPS Code must have a Ship Security Plan (SSP). Who approves the SSP and what are its minimum contents?

What are the responsibilities of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) under ISPS?

Practise this properly

ISPS Code, questions and explanations

Questions

Does the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) apply to LY3 superyachts?

A vessel required to comply with the ISPS Code must have a Ship Security Plan (SSP). Who approves the SSP and what are its minimum contents?

What are the responsibilities of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) under ISPS?

Practise this properly