4 Awareness of basic requirements for interacting with ISPS-compliant ships and port facilities
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1283 – Non-Mandatory Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels Which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code – (22 December 2008) - Annex – Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code - Part 2: Information for use by owners, operators and users (operators) of non-SOLAS vessels and related facilities - 4 Awareness of basic requirements for interacting with ISPS-compliant ships and port facilities

4 Awareness of basic requirements for interacting with ISPS-compliant ships and port facilities

Parent topic: Part 2: Information for use by owners, operators and users (operators) of non-SOLAS vessels and related facilities

4.1 Interacting with ISPS-compliant ships

  4.1.1 Operators of non-SOLAS vessels should be aware of the requirements of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, which apply to all ships engaged on international voyages of 500 gross tonnage and above or those which carry more than 12 passengers, for interacting with ISPS-compliant ships. Non-SOLAS vessels may be required to complete a “Declaration of Security” (DoS) when interfacing with an ISPS-compliant ship. The purpose of the DoS is to ensure that agreement is reached on the respective security measures each will undertake under such circumstances.

  4.1.2 When there is a requirement for non-SOLAS vessels to enter into a DoS, the operator of the non-SOLAS vessel may expect the following procedures to be applied:

  • the ISPS-compliant ship should contact the non-SOLAS vessel well in advance of the non-SOLAS vessel's interaction with the ISPS-compliant ship, giving the master of the non-SOLAS vessel reasonable time to prepare for those security measures that might be required;
  • the Ship Security Officer for the ISPS-compliant ship should detail the security measures which the non-SOLAS vessel is being asked to comply with;
  • the agreed details of security measures to be implemented should be inserted into a DoS using the appropriate form;
  • the DoS should be completed and signed by both parties.

  4.1.3 It is important that all operators of non-SOLAS vessels are aware of the need to stay a reasonable distance from ISPS-compliant ships when using shared waterways. The appropriate distance will vary due to navigational safety considerations. Non-SOLAS vessels should take care not to undertake any manoeuvres close to the vessel which may give the crew of the ISPS-compliant ship cause for concern. Non-SOLAS vessels are encouraged to clearly indicate their intentions to the crew of the ISPS-compliant ship by radiotelephone or other means.

4.2 Interacting with ISPS-compliant port facilities

  4.2.1 Operators of non-SOLAS vessels should be made aware of the requirements for interacting with ISPS-compliant port facilities. Non-SOLAS vessels may be required to complete a DoS when arriving at an ISPS-compliant port facility. The purpose of the DoS is to ensure that agreement is reached on the respective security measures each will undertake under such circumstances.

  4.2.2 When there is a requirement for non-SOLAS vessels to enter into a DoS, the Port Facility Security Officer of the regulated facility should follow the procedures below:

  • the ISPS-compliant port facility should contact the non-SOLAS vessel well in advance of the non-SOLAS vessel's interaction with the ISPS-compliant port facility, giving the master of the non-SOLAS vessel reasonable time to prepare for those security measures that might be required;
  • the Port Facility Security Officer for the ISPS-compliant port facility should detail the security measures which the non-SOLAS vessel is being asked to comply with;
  • the agreed details of security measures to be implemented should be inserted into a DoS using the appropriate form; and
  • the DoS should be completed and signed by both parties.
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