1 Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.1156 – Guidance on the Access of Public Authorities, Emergency Response Services and Pilots on Board Ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code Apply – (23 May 2005) - Annex - Guidance on the Access of Public Authorities, Emergency Response Services and Pilots on Board Ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code Apply - 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

  1.1 The purpose of this guidance is to provide recommended practice in relation to the access of public authorities, emergency response services and pilots on board ships to which SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code apply, in order to facilitate the activities and responsibilities of ships, ports facilities and of the authorities of SOLAS Contracting Government.

  1.2 During routine and normal ship/port interface and ship-to-ship activities it is usual for a variety of commercial, private and Governmental personnel to require access to a ship. Access control measures incorporated in Ship Security Plans (SSPs) that implement the requirements of the ISPS Code should, during routine ship/port interface and ship-to-ship activities, normally be respected by everyone, including officials seeking access to ships and restricted areas on board them.

  1.3 In addition to routine and normal access, under ordinary circumstances, there are a variety of situations where law enforcement or emergency response personnel need to conduct law enforcement functions to address specific security problems or to respond to emergency situations such as fires. In such situations it may not be possible or reasonable for the ship's security personnel to implement the normal access control provisions required by the SSP. The security and safety of the ship and of the port facilities require that practices be established that expedite access control for public authorities, emergency response services and pilots. The observance of such practices should not be construed as a failure of the ship to implement or to maintain appropriate security measures nor used by officials as an excuse for circumventing a ship’s security measures when conducting routine and normal operations requiring access to ships.

  1.4 It is noted that paragraph B/9.12 of the ISPS Code states that those unwilling or unable to establish their identity and/or to confirm the purpose of their visit when requested to do so should be denied access to the ship and their attempt to obtain access should be reported, as appropriate, to the Ship Security Officer, the Company Security Officer, the Port Facility Security Officer and to the national or local authorities with security responsibilities.

Parent topic: Annex - Guidance on the Access of Public Authorities, Emergency Response Services and Pilots on Board Ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code Apply
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