Maritime Security Policies

 

                    Relevant international conventions, codes, and recommendations

WHY : With an aim to minimize, stop, or otherwise control threats to security in maritime transportation. 

WHO: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is a regulatory body is responsible for the safety of life at sea and environmental protection has adopted a number of resolutions and conventions as follows: -  

1.      1983 Measures to Prevent Acts of Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships. 

2.      1985 Measures to Prevent Unlawful Acts Which Threaten Safety of Ships and Security of   

       Passengers which was later reviewed in November of 2001.   

3.      1986 Measures to Prevent Unlawful Acts Against Passengers and Crew On Board Ships. 

4.      1992 Post hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in October 1985, Suppression of

       Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) aimed at ensuring that appropriate

       judicial action is taken against persons committing unlawful acts against ships.( Unlawful acts 

       would include the seizure of vessels by force, acts of violence against persons on board vessels,and

        placing devices on board a vessel which are likely to destroy or damage it .)

5.   SOLAS Chapter XI pertains to security and has been divided in two parts: -

• Chapter XI-1: Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety
• Chapter XI-2: Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security. In principle chapter XI-2
  
  

6.   ISPS CODE: -

        ISPS has a mandatory section (Part A) and a recommendatory section (Part B). The guidance 

        given in Part B of the ISPS Code is to be taken into account when implementing the SOLAS 

        chapter XI-2 regulations and the provisions of Part A.

        The extent to which this guidance applies depends on the type of ship, its cargoes and/or 

         passengers, its trading pattern, the characteristics of the Port Facilities visited by the ship and 

          trading patterns of visiting vessels.

7.   Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA):-

        The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) is an Act of United States

        Congress to address Port and waterway security. It was signed into law by President George W. 

        Bush on November 25, 2002. This law is the U.S. implementation of the International Ship and 

        Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). 

        MTSA requires vessels and port facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and    

        develop security plans that may include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures;

        security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control 

        measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment. The Act creates a consistent security 

        program for all the nation’s ports to better identify and deter threats.

 

        MTSA also requires the establishment committees in all the nation’s ports to coordinate the 

        activities of all port stakeholders, including other federal, local and state agencies, industry and the

        boating public. The U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations to enact the provisions of the Act and to 

        align domestic regulations with the maritime security standards of SOLAS and the ISPS Code. 

        The regulations are found in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 101 through 

        107. Part 104 contains vessel security regulations, including some provisions that apply to foreign 

        ships in U.S. waters.