Author: Steven Jones
ISBN No: 1 870077 75 X
Review date: 17/12/2025
No of pages: 0
Publisher: Nautical Institute
Year of publication: 11/09/2012
Brief:
A guide to maritime security and the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code, written by a mariner with security experience, was commissioned by The Nautical Institute.
Steven Jones is a member, and business development manager, of the Lonon SE1-based Nautical Institute. He was once attacked by pirates when serving as a deck officer. Sat in his cabin, five armed men rushed in and demanded money. Somehow they were talked out of the accommodation and the incident passed without bloodshed. He has worked in marine fraud investigations and as a security specialist at a protection and indemnity association. He has a BSc (Hons) in Maritime Studies from Liverpool John Moores University.
Now all persons involved in the transport chain are expected to be responsible for and implement strict security measures to combat the perceived threat of global maritime terrorism. The process starts with shippers who need to supply evidence that their cargo is lawful and has been stowed securely in a container or loaded through a secure port facility. The port has to be able to demonstrate that its security measures are effective and that ships visiting are not exposed to security threats.
The ISPS code places obligations on shipowners, ship managers, charterers, and sea staff to ensure that ships comply with the provisions of the code and that secure means of communication exist to send warnings, report cargo and
ship security information prior to arrival, and requests for extra support should the need arise. Ships must have a security plan, proper security procedures, security standards, security levels, security responsibilities, security records, security training, verified security equipment and security certification. Documentary evidence must be provided concerning all security activities on board and extended historical records have to be maintained covering at least the last ten ports of call. These are onerous commitments and have to be discharged by sea staff where manning levels tend towards the minimum in response to economic competition.
The guide aims to demonstrate best practice in the way that effective security measures can be introduced and maintained on board ships in accordance with commercial manning levels; show how ship security fits into the wider context of maritime security; the purpose of security audits, drills and inspections to indicate what needs to be done, on ships and ashore; and how cargo and port security processes can be made to harmonise more effectively with shipping practices.
A major part of the book concerns basic good security practices – being vigilant – maintaining an effective gangway watch – responding to threats – getting the balance right between security and safety – searching for bombs, drugs and stowaways – what to do if suspicions are aroused – how to best protect the ship against piracy and terrorism – how to be proactive – and what records to keep.
