1 The Maritime Safety Committee (the Committee),
at its eighty-second session (29 November to 8 December 2006), developed
Interim Guidance on voluntary self-assessment by Companies and CSOs
for ship security in an effort to assist Companies in the implementation
of, and the maintenance of compliance with, the requirements of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS
Code.
2 The methodologies set out in the annex are designed
solely for use by Companies and CSOs in conducting internal voluntary
self-assessments.
3 The Committee agreed that the Voluntary self-assessment
tool for Companies and CSOs for ship security is not a document which
can be requested or required to be produced during the exercise of
Control pursuant to the provisions of SOLAS regulation
I/19, Control and Compliance measures pursuant to the provisions
of SOLAS regulation XI-2/9, or
by Administrations. In addition, the Committee agreed that those duly
authorized by SOLAS Contracting Governments to exercise Control or
Control and compliance measures are not vested with any authority
to request or require the production from any ship or Company of the
Voluntary self-assessment tool for Companies and CSOs for ship security.
4 Administrations are invited to bring the attached
Interim Guidance to the attention of owners and Companies operating
ships entitled to fly their flag and of Company security officers.
5 Administrations, international organizations
and non-governmental organizations with consultative status are also
invited to bring to the attention of the Committee, at the earliest
opportunity, the results of the experience gained from the use of
the Interim Guidance for consideration of action to be taken.