PMTC

Through the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code), some form of security training has become mandatory for large numbers of seafarers and port facility workers by July 1, 2004.

An analysis of the ISPS Code reveals that there are three levels of training implied in order to meet the requirements of the Code.

•    The first is the reliance of in-service training programs to deliver basic security awareness training to seafarers and port facility employees in positions that are not security sensitive.

•    The second is clearly articulating local government regulations and legislation as it relates to maritime security when the regulatory systems themselves are in the process of being developed.

•    The third challenge is overcoming the general lack of training for mariners in crisis management and emergency response, which is a vital prerequisite of any security program.

 

PREVIOUS SECURITY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Prior to the implementation of the ISPS Code, there were few training requirements specifically targeted at the provision of maritime security.

 

For sea-going mariners, the main source of training requirements is derived from the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watch-keeping Code (STCW). Within STCW, there is a general requirement for masters and chief mates on ships of 500 GT or more to be trained to "maintain safety and security of the ship's crew and passengers…".

 

The specific focus of the generic STCW requirement, however, is on safety rather than security. The competencies to be demonstrated under STCW include the detection of alarms; fire and boat; maintenance of safety systems; onboard emergency procedures; damage control; and salvage. The generic provisions of STCW do not cover security except where it is incidental to the provision of safety.

 

Seafarers working on passenger carrying vessels are recognized as a specialized sub-category within STCW. For officers and crews on board passenger vessels, there are additional training requirements related to crisis management and crowd control that have applications in the provision of security on board passenger vessels. Indeed, for a number of reasons, the passenger carrying industry has implemented security provisions in advance of the ISPS Code.

 

THE NEW SECURITY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

With the adoption of the ISPS Code, new security training requirements have been imposed for the vast majority of workers on board ships and in port facilities.

 

The training obligations spring forth from two conventions:

•    Chapter XI-2 of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS);

•   Table A-II/2 of STCW.

 

Under Chapter XI-2 Regulation 4 (SOLAS), the training provisions of the ISPS Code for ships and shipping companies are incorporated by reference. In a similar way, Chapter XI-2 Regulation 10 (SOLAS) attaches the ISPS training provisions to port facility operators.

SOLAS XI-2/Regulation 4 - Requirements for Companies and ships:

1.    Companies shall comply with the relevant requirements of this chapter and of part A of the ISPS Code, taking into account the guidance given in part B of the ISPS Code.

2.    Ships shall comply with the relevant requirements of this chapter and of part A of the ISPS code, taking into account the guidance given in part B of the ISPS Code…"

SOLAS XI-2/Regulation 10 - Requirements for port facilities

1.    Port facilities shall comply with the relevant requirements of this chapter and part A of the ISPS Code, taking into account the guidance given in part B of the ISPS Code."

 

In keeping with the structure of IMO Codes, the ISPS Code is divided into two portions. The first portion (Part A) contains mandatory provisions, while the second portion (Part B) contains guidance on the interpretation and implementation of the mandatory provisions.

 

The extracts of the Part A training provisions of the ISPS Code are contained below

 

ISPS Code, Part A/13 - Training, drills and exercises on ship security

➢    "13.1 The company security officer and appropriate shore-based personnel shall have knowledge and have received training, taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code."

➢    "13.2 The ship security officer shall have knowledge and have received training, taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code."

➢    "13.3 Shipboard personnel having specific security duties and responsibilities shall understand their responsibilities for ship security as described in the ship security plan and shall have sufficient knowledge and ability to perform their assigned duties, taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code."

 

ISPS Code A/18 - Training, drills and exercises on port facility security

➢    "18.1 The port facility security officer and appropriate port facility security personnel shall have knowledge and have received training, taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code."

➢    "18.2 Port facility personnel having specific security duties shall understand their duties and responsibilities for port facility security, as described in the port facility security plan, and shall have sufficient knowledge and ability to perform their assigned duties, taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code."

The second source of training requirements arises from STCW. Table A-II/2 (minimum standard for masters and chief officers of ships of over 500 GT) requires:

 

"Knowledge of International Maritime Law embodied in international agreements and conventions [with special regard to] responsibilities under the relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea".

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Since the ISPS code is embedded into SOLAS, senior persons on board need to be trained on their specific responsibilities under the Code.

 

To meet with the rigorous requirements now placed on the shipping industry with regards to security training obligations under the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and the Manila Amendments, we offer the following security courses, as accredited by the NMSA, also we provide with custom training including the Anti-Piracy Awareness Training (APAT).

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