The terrorist attacks of 9/11 and incidents involving the USS Cole and the "Limburg" formed the backdrop to adoption of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code by IMO in December 2002. The Code was implemented in July 2004 but, even then, some ship operators and ports did not take it too seriously and application of the Code became a paper exercise. However, shipping companies are becoming increasingly aware that ISPS Code compliance is essential if they are to avoid detention and control actions being taken following Port State Control inspection, particularly in North American and EU countries.
In a paper which has been specially prepared for the Club, HudsonTrident Maritime Security Services sets out the steps to be taken to ensure compliance with the Code. The paper is available for download below.
