Security Plan and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)

The International Maritime Organization lays down rules to make ships and port facilities safe: the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The ISPS Code applies to passenger ships, cargo ships with a gross tonnage of 500 or more and port facilities handling the above ships in international traffic. Port of Antwerp-Bruges falls within this category and therefore has an approved security plan.

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The aim of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)

Implement an international network between governments, local authorities and the shipping industry.
Define the responsibilities of authorities and ship-related companies (shipping companies, terminals, etc.) to enhance maritime security.
Timely and efficient collection and exchange of security-related information.
Draw up safety plans and procedures to respond rapidly to changing security levels.
Build confidence in the existing security infrastructure.

Beveiligingsplan en International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)

What does the ISPS code stipulate for Port of Antwerp-Bruges?

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a port facility that is required by the ISPS code to carry out all tasks related to security. These tasks are access control, guarding the port facility and restricted areas, supervising the loading and unloading of cargo and ship's stores, and ensuring that security communication devices are within easy reach.

How does Port of Antwerp-Bruges obtain an approved security plan?

The Local Committee for Maritime Security conducts a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA). This analysis looks at key infrastructure, potential threats, whether procedures are in place, etc.
Based on this analysis, the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) draws up or adapts the Port Facility Security Plan for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Among other things, this plan stipulates which areas are prohibited or restricted, how cargo will be handled, what the procedure is for abandoned luggage, etc.
The Local Committee for Maritime Security verifies on the ground whether the recommendations have been followed and informs the National Authority for Maritime Security (NAMB in Dutch) accordingly.
The National Authority for Maritime Security informs the IMO in London that the port facility is in compliance with all regulations.
The IMO issues a certificate that is valid for five years.
The Local Committee, the National Authority and the European Commission (Directorate General for Mobility & Transport) carry out regular interim inspections.

Organisation of exercises

Every port facility is required to conduct at least four minor exercises and one major exercise every calendar year to adequately practise the security plan.

On behalf of the European Commission, Port of Antwerp-Bruges has drafted a handbook to support the security officers of ISPS port facilities and ports in developing and conducting the mandatory maritime security exercises.

In opdracht van de Europese Commissie heeft Port of Antwerp-Bruges een handboek uitgewerkt om de beveiligingsverantwoordelijken van ISPS-havenfaciliteiten en havens te ondersteunen bij het ontwikkelen en uitvoeren van de verplichte maritieme beveiligingsoefeningen.

Handbook to assist security officers of ISPS port facilities and ports in developing and conducting maritime security exercises.

Handbook ISPS

1/6/2022

Handbook to assist security officers of ISPS port facilities and ports in developing and conducting maritime security exercises.

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ISPS Declaration of Security (DOS)

With a Declaration of Security (DOS), the ship and the port agree on additional specific security measures. A DOS is needed in these situations:

If the ship is operating at a higher security level than the port facility or other ship with which cooperation is taking place.
If there is an agreement on a DOS between contracting states regarding certain international voyages or specific vessels used for that purpose.
If there has been a security threat or security incident involving the ship or port facility.
If the ship is in a port that is not required to have or implement an approved PFSP.
If ship/ship activities take place with another ship that is not required to have or implement an approved Ship Security Plan.