Maritime security

Maritime security is an integral part of IMO's responsibilities. A comprehensive security regime for international shipping entered into force on 1 July 2004. The mandatory security measures, adopted in December 2002, include a number of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), the most far-reaching of which enshrines the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), which contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies in a mandatory section (Part A), together with a series of guidelines about how to meet these requirements in a second, non-mandatory section (Part B).

FAQ on ISPS Code and maritime security

Details of the maritime security measures

Further Information including articles

Access ISPS Code database in the IMO Global Shipping Information System (GSIS)

Circulars relating to maritime security include:

MSC/Circ.1109/Rev.1 False security alerts and distress/security double alerts

MSC/Circ.1133 Reminder of the obligation to notify flag States when exercising control and compliance measures

MSC/Circ.1132 Guidance relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code

MSC/Circ.1131 Interim Guidance on voluntary self-assessment by SOLAS Contracting Governments and by port facilities

MSC/Circ.1130 Guidance to masters, Companies and duly authorized officers on the requirements relating to the submission of security-related information prior to the entry of a ship into port

MSC/Circ.1111 Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code (English)

MSC/Circ.1111 Recommandations intérimaires sur les mesures liées au contrôle et au respect des dispositions qui visent à renforcer la sûreté maritime (Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code in French)

MSC/Circ.1111 Orientaciones provisionales sobre las medidas de control y cumplimiento para incrementar la protección marítima (Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code in Spanish)

This circular includes:

• ANNEX 1 GUIDANCE RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLAS CHAPTER XI-2 AND THE ISPS CODE
• ANNEX 2 RESOLUTION MSC.159(78) (adopted on 21 May 2004) INTERIM GUIDANCE ON CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY

MSC/Circ.1104 Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code

MSC/Circ.1074 Measures to enhance maritime security - Interim guidelines for the authorization of recognized security organizations acting on behalf of the Administration and/or designated authority of a contracting Government

MSC/Circ.1073 Measures to enhance maritime security - Directives for Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCS) on acts of violence against ships

MSC/Circ.1072 Guidance on provision of ship security alert systems

MSC/Circ.1097 Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code

MSC/Circ.1067 Early implementation of measures to enhance maritime security

Further information

Purchase the ISPS Code and SOLAS amendments

Model Course - ISPS - Company Security Officer, 2003 edition
Model Course - ISPS - Port Facility Security Officer, 2003 edition
Model Course - ISPS - Ship Security Officer, 2003 edition

Updates on ISPS Code status of compliance

Information Resources on Maritime Security

New Security Measures for the International Shipping Community. Article by Mr. H. Hesse and Mr. N. Charalambous, published in WMU Journal of Marine Affairs, 2004, Vol 3, No 2, pp 123 - 138 Information Resources on maritime