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Frequently Asked Questions
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Question:
When will the ABS Guide for Ship Security be available?
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Answer:
The Guide was made available for download on the ABS web site on 15 January. Printed copies of the Guide are also available and can be ordered using the ABS web site or from your local ABS office.
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Question:
Is there an ABS Class notation associated with Ship Security?
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Answer:
Yes. The optional class notation, SEC, may be issued to an ABS Classed vessel that meets all of the requirements of the ABS Guide for Ship Security. The SEC notation will become part of the Record.
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Question:
Does the ABS Guide for Ship Security specifically cover US Coast Guard requirements?
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Answer:
The Guide covers the requirements of Part A and the recommendations of Part B of the ISPS Code. It was written also bearing in mind the requirements published by the U.S. Coast Guard as of 1 January 2003. The U.S. Coast Guard will issue final rules later this year, and any additional requirements will be incorporated into the Guide at that time.
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Question:
What is the definition of Ship Security Alert System?
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Answer:
A "ship security alert system" will be required by SOLAS Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6. The principal requirement for the system is to transmit a ship-to-shore security alert to a competent authority designated by the flag Administration, which may include the Company The alert should identify the ship and it’s location and indicate that the security of the ship is under threat or has been compromised. It must not raise any alarm on-board the ship.
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Question:
Will the AIS and other security equipment need to be ABS approved or ABS Type Approved?
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Answer:
For statutory compliance, AIS equipment shall be of a "type approved by the Administration". Many Administrations do these approvals themselves or accept approvals done by a number of recognized or authorized organizations. ABS is authorized to do such type approval on behalf of some Administrations.
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Question:
Has ABS already approved any equipment intended for use as a Ship Security Alert System?
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Answer:
Search
the ABS Type
Approved Products to learn more about these products.
Use the key words "ship security" to find the products.
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Question:
Will ABS help me with what I have to do to get a security notation?
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Answer:
In order to maintain objectivity and avoid any perceptions of impropriety, ABS will not assist owners in preparing the ship security assessments and ship security plans. However, ABS is available to answer questions and explain the requirements in the ABS Ship Security Guide.
The ABS affiliate,
ABS Consulting is a leading provider of risk management services.
It has developed a wide range of security related services applicable
to both ship and terminal operators. However, to avoid any suggestion
of a conflict of interest, ABS will not review or approve any
Ship Security Plans developed by ABS Consulting.
>
Learn more about the ABS Consulting services for maritime security
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Question:
What countries have authorized ABS to issue the International Ship Security Certificate?
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Answer:
ABS has contacted all major administrations that register ships requesting authorization to act as a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) to approve ship security plans, audit ship security systems and where appropriate issue the certificates on their behalf. At this point the governments are still considering their requirements for RSOs. However, it is anticipated that nearly all governments that authorize classification societies to act as RSOs will include ABS.
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Question:
If I have the ABS notation for security, will I also get the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)?
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Answer:
In general, the requirements in the ABS Guide for Ship Security equal or exceed the requirements in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, so it is anticipated that a ship that has the ABS Security notation will meet all the requirements for the ISSC. If ABS is authorized to act as an RSO on behalf of the relevant flag administration, ABS will issue the ISSC after verification that the ship complies with the requirements of the ISPS Code and any additional requirements specified by the Administration.
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Question:
Is the Security notation required for my ABS classed ship?
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Answer:
No. It is an optional notation that ABS believes is a useful indication of the preparation and measures taken to address security concerns aboard ships.
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Question:
When can I get the ABS Security notation?
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Answer:
The notation is available now. Contact your local ABS representative for details.
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Question:
How much will it cost to get the ABS Security notation for my ship?
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Answer:
The pricing structure will be similar to that for ISM certifications. Pricing will vary based on the number of vessels and the timing of the request. It is likely that there will be supplemental pricing to reflect the expected very heavy workload as the July 1, 2004 deadline nears. Contact your local ABS representative to have a formal quote developed specifically for your company.
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Question:
How much will it cost to get an ISSC from ABS?
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Answer:
A quote based on your company’s particular circumstance can be developed by your local ABS representative.
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Question:
What ships are required to have an ISSC?
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Answer:
There are two parts to this answer:
- SOLAS requires the following types of ships engaged on international voyages to have an ISSC: passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft; cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and mechanically propelled mobile offshore drilling units.
- Flag administrations and port states may require other vessels to carry an ISSC or similar document. At the present time, no government has published such additional requirements.
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Question:
Can I get the ABS Security notation even if I am not required to have an ISSC?
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Answer:
Yes.
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Question:
When should I get the ISSC?
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Answer:
It is estimated that almost 43,000 ships will need to have a valid ISSC by 1 July 2004. Because of the immense workload associated with approving ship security plans and issuing certificates, it is recommended that a shipowner/manager start the process as soon as possible. It is likely that there will be delays as the deadline approaches. If a ship already has the ABS Security notation, it is expected that it will take a minimum amount of time to issue the ISSC if ABS is authorized to do so by the flag administration.
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Question:
Will ABS be involved in Port Facility Security Plans?
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Answer:
No. As a ship classification society, ABS will focus on its primary area of experience: ships. ABS Consulting has developed security services for port facilities. Contact information for ABS Consulting can be provided by your local ABS office.
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Question:
Can ABS provide training for my designated company and ship security officers?
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Answer:
ABS Consulting has developed training programs that will be suitable for designated Company, Ship and Port Facility Security Officers. Contact information for ABS Consulting can be provided by your local ABS office.
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Question:
Will the ISPS requirements become part of ISM in the future? Should I include my security plans as part of my on-board management system?
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Answer:
It is not yet known whether IMO will choose to integrate ISPS and ISM requirements. It is sensible to have an integrated safety and security management system within a Company and aboard ship but the components pertaining to ISM compliance and ISPS compliance need to be clearly identifiable and traceable so as to be able to demonstrate compliance with each Code. Also, ISM audits are not to duplicate or replace other surveys or verifications so ISM and ISPS verification audits also need to be distinct. That is, an ISM audit cannot replace an ISPS audit.
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Question:
Will security audits be done at the same time as my ISM or other statutory audits?
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Answer:
ISPS verification audits can be done during the same ship visit by suitably qualified auditors but each survey or audit is done sequentially. That is an ISM audit is neither to duplicate nor replace other surveys or audits, so each is to be done distinctly and sequentially.
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Question:
What is the period between audits once the security certificate has been issued?
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Answer:
As with ISM, each certificate is valid for five years with a requirement for at least one intermediate verification between the second and third year.
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Question:
ABS has introduced an annual check of my ISM SMC certificates even though only a 30 month interim audit is required. Will ABS do the same for security certificates?
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Answer:
As a general rule no. However, should an ABS surveyor encounter evidence that suggests non-conformance with the ISPS Code during a survey or ISM audit, he would be required to communicate that concern to the ABS security expert who would determine if any further action may be required.
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Question:
Do I have to use ABS for my security audits if my ship is classed with ABS or can I use another classification society or RSO?
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Answer:
This will be determined by the flag Administrations but most Administrations that authorize RSOs are expected to allow ISPS certification to be done by any authorized RSO in a manner similar to the way in which ISM certification is currently handled.
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Question:
ABS has limited its ISM Code certification services to ABS classed ships; with some specific exceptions. Will ABS apply these policies to ABS’ ISPS certification services as well?
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Answer:
At the present time ABS expects to apply the same criteria to its ISPS audit and certification activities as it does to its ISM responsibilities.
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Question:
I heard that the IMO may make changes to the ISPS Code in the middle of 2003. Is that the case, and should I wait to begin preparing my security assessments and plans until the requirements are finalized?
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Answer:
Don't wait! The ISPS Code is scheduled to come into force on 1 July 2004. Because of the newness and scope of the ISPS Code, it is not unusual that IMO has kept it on its agenda. It was recognized that there probably will be further questions and the need for additional discussion as the Code is implemented. However, it is not anticipated that there will be any changes that would materially affect what a ship owner must do to comply with the Code.
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Question:
It took several months to prepare for ISM certification. How long will it take to get my security plan approved and a security certificate issued by ABS?
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Answer:
Compliance with the ISPS Code should not prove either onerous or time consuming for a responsible operator with an established management system in place. Although the period needed to undertake a Ship Security Assessment, develop the Ship Security Plan and have the plan approved and the security system audited is expected to be relatively short, the need for nearly 43,000 ships to comply within a period of little more than a year means that there will be delays. It is for that reason that immediate attention should be given to gaining the necessary certification.
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Question:
If I am certified before the 1 July 2004 compliance date, will the 5-year period of validity for the ISSC run from the time the certificate is issued, or will it run from 1 July 2004?
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Answer:
From the time the certificate is issued.
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