The International Code For The Security Of Ships And Port Facilities (Isps Code)
The Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security held in London in December 2002 adopted new provisions in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code) to enhance maritime security. The ISPS Code is entering into effect internationally on the 1 st of July 2004 .
The ISPS is applicable to the following types of Union of Comoros vessels engaged on international voyages as per Regulation 3 of Chapter I of SOLAS:
1. The following types of ships engaged on international voyages:
- Passenger Ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
- Cargo Ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and
- Mobile offshore drilling units; and
2. port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages
Compliance with the Code will become mandatory on 1 July 2004 . By this date every ship to which the Code applies must have:
- A Company Security Officer;
- A Ship Security Officer;
- Implement an approved Security Plan;
- Be equipped with a Security alert System;
- Installed or have plans for the installation of AIS;
- The Imo Number marked on the vessel or plans for marking the vessel, and
- Have available a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)
Recognized Security Organizations authorized to conduct ISPS Code verification assessments and issue Certificates on behalf of the Union of Comoros Administration:
- AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING
- BUREAU VERITAS
- GERMANISCHER LLOYD
- INDIAN REGISTER OF SHIPPING
- POLISH REGISTER OF SHIPPING
- RUSSIAN MARITIME REGISTER OF SHIPPING
- LLOYD’S REGISTER
- INSB(International naval Survey Bureau)