1.
BACKGROUND
1.
BACKGROUND
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) was adopted by a Resolution of the Conference of the Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, held in London between 9-13 December 2002.
The same Conference adopted another Resolution which included the necessary amendments to Chapters V and XI of SOLAS by which compliance with the Code became mandatory on 1 July 2004. Chapter XI of SOLAS was amended and re-identified as Chapter XI-1 and a new chapter XI-2 was adopted on special measures to enhance maritime security.
The ISPS Code has two parts: part A and part B. Part A contains the mandatory requirements regarding the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS, 1974, as amended, and part B is the guidance regarding the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS, 1974, as amended, and part A of the ISPS Code.
2.
AIMS OF THE MARITIME SECURITY CODE
The Code aims to provide a standardised, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities through the determination of appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures.
It is noted that the measures to enhance maritime security call for the establishment of appropriate operational measures and procedures to prevent unauthorised access, to prevent the introduction of unauthorised weapons, incendiary devices or explosives, to provide means of raising an alarm, to ensure efficient and effective communications and to enhance awareness and vigilance.
These measures have a protective character and have been developed for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of a security incident.
Suppression, containment and control of a situation in case of breach of security or of a security incident, has been and remains a matter for the police and the security services of each State.
3. APPLICATION
Regulation
XI-2/2.1.1 (and section A/3.1.1) indicates that the measures to enhance maritime
security apply to the following types of ships engaged in international voyages:
(1) Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
(2) Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and
(3) Mobile offshore drilling units.
With respect to ships, as a rough guide, any ship which is required to hold a valid Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Construction or Equipment Certificate, Passenger or Cargo High Speed Craft Certificate and mechanically propelled mobile offshore drilling units when not on location, are required to comply with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 and Part A of the ISPS Code.
4. IMPLEMENTATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS OF THE ISPS CODE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATION
The ISPS Code has been in force since 1 July 2004. The mandatory ISPS Code and European Union Regulations No 725/2004 and 884/2005 are fully implemented in the Republic of Cyprus. European Union Directive 2005/65/EC is in the process of being transposed into the Cyprus legislation and it will be implemented by June 2007.
The Competent Authority (Minister of Communications and Works) for the implementation of the ISPS Code in the Republic of Cyprus has approved the Port Facility Security Plans of the following port facilities:
Limassol Port, Limassol Cyprus
Larnaca Port, Larnaca Cyprus
Vassiliko Port, Vassiliko Cyprus
Moni Power Station, Moni Cyprus
Vassiliko Power Station, Vassiliko Cyprus
Dhekelia Power Station, Dhekelia Cyprus
Details of the port facilities (location, contact points with PFSO etc) are displayed on the following link: Port Facilities in the Republic of Cyprus.
All ships must inform the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) of each port facility prior to their intention to enter the facility using the SHIP PRE-ARRIVAL SECURITY INFORMATION FORM.