|
(Houston, TX---) ABS has secured a contract with Bahamas-based
Dockendale Shipping Company Limited to certify 33 of its vessels
to the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security
Code (ISPS). Dockendale has also requested that it be audited
to the additional ABS security criteria for the award of the
relevant class notation (SEC).
The class notation is particularly advantageous for those
vessels trading regularly to the US and for owners wanting
to demonstrate the highest levels of security compliance.
ABS Manager of Safety, Environment & Security Certification
Capt. Patrick Falwell, praised Dockendale’s proactive
approach towards meeting the new international security standard.
“The deadline is 1 July of next year,” Fallwell
pointed out. “Those operators who act quickly will beat
the inevitable last minute press of companies seeking certification,
making the process simpler, easier and quicker for all concerned.”
Although the 1 July 2004 deadline has been widely reported
to industry as the compliance deadline, Fallwell notes US
flagged vessels will need to submit their security plans and
assessments to the USCG by 31 December 2003---now just weeks
away.
Dockendale Marine Manager Capt. S. Chopra commented that
“ABS has really helped us understand the implications
of these new regulatory requirements. Their Guide to Ship
Security was immensely helpful to all our staff, and their
quick authorization as an RSO by the leading flag States and
rapid establishment of a worldwide team of fully trained security
auditors will greatly facilitate the certification process
for us.”
Capt. Falwell stresses that a key element in easing the certification
process is for a company to undergo a pre-assessment audit
of submitted or approved vessel security plans. “A pre-assessment
can help identify and rectify potential problems prior to
the formal certification audit of the vessel, speeding the
entire process,” he says.
Explaining the decision to also seek the full ABS SEC security
notation, Chopra noted that many of the Dockendale vessels
trade into US ports. “The ABS notation takes into account
the highest security standards that are applicable in the
US and worldwide,” he says. “By gaining this notation
we can demonstrate to the US Coast Guard that we have adopted
these same highest standards on each of the ships under our
control.”
ABS has been authorized to act as a Recognized Security Organization
(RSO) by more than 21 of the leading flag Administrations.
Each flag Administration may delegate authority to approve
ship security plans, perform security audits of ships and
issue the necessary International Ship Security Certificates
(ISSC) on behalf of governments.
The second edition of the widely distributed ABS Guide to
Ship Security was released in mid-September and takes into
account the latest US government requirements. It outlines
the certification process and describes specific security
responsibilities of companies and individuals. Within ship
security, for example, guidance is provided in areas such
as: ship security alert systems, plans and records; training,
drills and exercises; company and ship security officers;
and audit and review.
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification
society devoted to promoting the security of life, property
and the marine environment through the development and verification
of standards for the design, construction and operational
maintenance of marine-related facilities.
Editor’s Note: For more information on the ISPS Code
and Ship Security, visit the ABS web site at: http://www.eagle.org/prodserv/shipsecurity/.
An overview of the regulations, sample ship security plan
and the ABS Guide for Ship Security are available.
The first revision of the ABS Guide for Ship Security (Sept.
2003) which takes into account all the latest IMO clarifications
is available free for download from the ABS website at: http://www.eagle.org/rules/downloads.html,
publication number 111.
For more information, contact:
Susan Gonzalez,
ABS
1-281-877-5853
or sgonzalez@eagle.org
|
