Ensuring the security of a ship and its crew is a critical responsibility in the modern maritime industry, which faces a variety of threats from geopolitical instability, local conflicts, and social unrest. Physical security threats include terrorism, piracy, robbery, and the illegal trafficking of goods and people. Security is a collective responsibility of the entire crew, not just the Ship Security Officer.
Regulatory and Industry Guidance
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: The ISPS Code, made mandatory by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2004, provides a comprehensive framework to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. It operates on a risk management approach, with three security levels:
- Level 1: Normal. The minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times.
- Level 2: Heightened. Additional protective security measures are maintained for a period of time due to a heightened risk of a security incident.
- Level 3: Exceptional. Further specific protective security measures are maintained for a limited time when a security incident is probable or imminent.
Ship Security Plan (SSP): Each ship must have an approved SSP, which outlines operational and physical security measures for all three security levels. The SSP is based on a Ship Security Assessment and details the organizational structure of security, including the roles and responsibilities of all personnel, security measures for access control and cargo handling, and procedures for crew evacuation. The SSP is a confidential document and must be protected from unauthorized access.
Best Management Practices (BMP): BMP is an industry-standard guidance developed to help prevent piracy and other security threats. The BMP Maritime Security (BMP MS) publication consolidates previous regional guides into a single resource that provides a threat and risk management process. It is recommended that ships have these publications on board and follow their guidance.
Security Threat Assessment
To effectively implement security measures, it is essential to identify and understand potential threats. While a ship’s Flag or Port State will advise on the applicable ISPS security level, additional intelligence can be gathered from trusted sources, including:
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).
- Local agent or representative.
- Local P&I correspondents.
- Recognized reporting centers such as the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Layers of Defense
Onboard security measures can be categorized into three layers of defense to prevent and respond to threats.
- Prevent Boarding: The first layer of defense is to prevent intruders from getting on the ship. Measures include:
- Vigilance and Lookout: Maintaining a proper lookout using all available means, including searchlights, thermal imagery optics, and night vision aids.
- Technology: Using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras with AI systems and motion sensors to monitor the ship’s surroundings.
- Illumination: Keeping deck areas and access points well-lit during hours of darkness.
- Restricting Access: Limiting and monitoring access points and using physical barriers such as razor wire, water spray, or specialized plastic barriers.
- Secure the Accommodation: The second layer of defense is to secure the accommodation and other restricted areas to protect the crew and vital shipboard systems. This includes:
- Securing all doors, hatches, and windows that provide access to the bridge, accommodation, and machinery spaces.
- Using grates or other barriers to block unauthorized access to the accommodation.
- Safe Muster Place/Citadel: The third layer is to have a designated safe muster point or a citadel. A citadel is a fortified area where the crew can retreat in the event of an imminent boarding. It must be designed to withstand forced entry and be equipped with two-way communication, its own power supply, and enough food, water, and sanitation for the crew to survive for a reasonable period.
Training and Contingency Planning
For all security measures to be effective, the crew must be properly trained through frequent onboard practice and ship-to-shore drills. Training should cover personal safety, evacuation procedures, and the correct use of security equipment. In the unlikely event of a successful hijacking, having detailed contingency plans in place is crucial for a swift response and communication with authorities.
Some owners may choose to hire Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) or Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP). This decision should be made after a thorough risk assessment and in compliance with the requirements of the ship’s Flag State.
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Source: Britannia P&I Club
