Maritime Security is the overarching term for IMO's work to enhance the security of ships and their crews as well as that of port facilities and their personnel. The need to address maritime security stems from the challenges faced by the international shipping community which, among others, comprise deep-rooted security challenges such as theft and smuggling of psychotropic substances or people trafficking and the relatively new threats posed by maritime terrorism and modern piracy off the coast of Somalia and West Africa.

 

A first set of comprehensive guidance to address maritime security at IMO was adopted after the Achille Lauro incident in 1985. In the wake of the tragic event of 11 September 2011 in the United States of America, a Diplomatic Conference on maritime security was held at the London headquarters of the IMO in December 2002. This conference adopted a number of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety at Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the adoption of the International Ship and Port facility Code (ISPS Code).