ISPS

Since 2004, both port companies and shipping companies have been required to meet the requirements of the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port facility Security Code). In the European Union, these requirements have been translated into European Regulation 725/2004. Basically, the regulation contains requirements for the security of seagoing vessels and requirements for the security of port locations, also known as port facilities.

What is an ISPS certificate? And why is it useful?

The ISPS certificate (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) is an internationally recognized certificate for security in the shipping and port sector. The ISPS certificate is granted by the government and guarantees that the port facility meets international security standards. The ISPS certificate is mandatory for all international shipping installations and ports and must be renewed every 5 years.

ISPS certification

In order to obtain and/or maintain ISPS certification, it is important to ensure that the security organization continues to meet the requirements of ISPS legislation and regulations.

Carrying out and preparing the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)
Drawing up the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
Developing and implementing ISPS procedures and work instructions
Providing training for Port Facility Security Officers
Carrying out ISPS exercises, tests and periodic audits

In practice, however, we see the following:

The mandatory ISPS exercises and ISPS evaluations are not carried out (in a timely manner) and reported to the Port Authority;
The ISPS exercises are unrealistic, a paper tiger or are carried out by the security service provider (less objectivity);
Changes in the organization and design are not reported and the PFSP is not periodically updated;
Due to a lack of maintenance of the PFSP, the ISPS recertification is a time-consuming recurring task.

This results in problems during periodic inspections by the Port Authority, which can lead to additional inspections, higher costs and in extreme cases even to (temporary) withdrawal of the ISPS certificate.

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Support ISPS

To fully support our clients, we offer our ISPS in Control Service. This means that Octant takes care of everything and carries out all ISPS activities for your organization. Our consultants do this as follows:

ISPS Quarterly Exercise

We make an annual plan based on realistic scenarios. The exercises are prepared, carried out and reported by Octant. These exercises contribute to increasing the security awareness of employees.

Annual ISPS exercise

These exercises are often combined with scenarios from the company emergency plan. This major exercise may involve collaboration with relevant government agencies such as the Port Authority, the police and the fire brigade.

Security evaluation

After the exercises we evaluate security. We look at incidents and developments and discuss possible points for improvement. Octant takes care of the reporting and evaluation and sends it to the Port Authority.

Update PFSP and processes

We keep the PFSP and procedures up to date with new legislation and regulations and implement improvements where necessary. This keeps the PFSP always up to date and makes ISP recertification easy.

Benefits of ISPS management

Properly setting up ISPS Management contributes to the efficient handling of seagoing vessels at your location and prevents unnecessary disruption of business processes. Consider setting up the security organization, monitoring the location and organizing access control to the site.

Benefits of the ISPS in Control service
Complying with ISPS obligations on time and correctly
Optimizing security and security awareness
Octant's advisors can be contacted for ISPS and security issues
Easily complete the periodic re-certification

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