International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code): Three Security Levels for Ships

According to the provisions of Section 7, Part A of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and 2002 Amendments of SOLAS (ISPS), the ship security levels are specifically regulated as follows:

- Security Level 1 is the level at which appropriate security measures must be maintained continuously. At Security Level 1, by appropriate measures, all ships must take the following actions to identify and implement preventive measures against security incidents, noting the guidance provided in Part B of the Code:

- Ensure the performance of all ship security duties;- Control access to the ship;- Control the embarkation of people and their belongings;- Monitor restricted areas to ensure that only authorized persons have access;- Monitor the deck areas and areas surrounding the ship;- Supervise the handling of cargo and ship's stores; and- Ensure that security communications are readily available.

- Security Level 2 is the level at which additional protective security measures must be maintained for a period of time as a result of a heightened risk of a security incident. At Security Level 2, additional preventive measures, as outlined in the Ship Security Plan, must be enforced for each activity listed in Section 7.2, noting the guidance provided in Part B of the Code.

- Security Level 3 is the level at which specific protective security measures must be maintained for a limited period when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target. At Security Level 3, specific higher preventive measures, as outlined in the Ship Security Plan, must be enforced for each activity listed in Section 7.2, noting the guidance provided in Part B of the Code.

When the Administrative Authority establishes Security Level 2 or 3, ships must acknowledge receipt of instructions for the change in security level.

Before entering a port or while at a port within the sovereignty of a Contracting Government that has established Security Level 2 or 3, ships must acknowledge receipt of such instructions and must confirm to the Port Facility Security Officer the implementation of appropriate measures and procedures as outlined in the Ship Security Plan, and in the case of Security Level 3, according to the instructions established by the Contracting Government for Security Level 3. Ships must report any difficulties in implementing the measures. In such cases, the Port Facility Security Officer and the Ship Security Officer must communicate and coordinate appropriate actions.

See more related content at: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and 2002 Amendments of SOLAS (ISPS), effective July 1, 2004.

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