| IMO Press Briefing 16 2004
19 April 2004
IMO Technical co-operation programme enhances
ISPS Code implementation
In the run-up to the 1 July 2004 international deadline for implementation
of the maritime security measures adopted by IMO in December 2002,
a far-reaching and multi-faceted programme of technical assistance
by the Organization, aimed at helping Governments strengthen maritime
and port security, is in full swing and having a significant impact,
particularly in the developing world.
IMO launched its global technical co-operation programme on maritime
security in January 2002, 11 months before the IMO Diplomatic
Conference on Maritime Security adopted amendments to the SOLAS
Convention and the related International Ship and Port Facility
Security Code (ISPS) in December 2002. The aim of the global programme
initially was to raise awareness of maritime security threats
and of the possible future regulatory measures that were being
developed at that stage. Activities carried out during 2002 included
the development of lesson plans and manuals and the delivery of
sub-regional seminars, workshops and advisory missions. A total
of eight sub-regional seminars or workshops were conducted.
Since the adoption of the ISPS Code in December 2002, training
materials have been updated twice in order to place more emphasis
on practical approaches to implementation of the new regulatory
regime, with particular attention on the preparation of port facility
security assessments and plans. Furthermore, to provide a dedicated
source of financial support for the maritime security technical
co-operation activities and, in particular, for national initiatives
in the developing regions, a Maritime Security Trust Fund has
been established. In addition, IMO has developed and published
model courses for Ship Security Officers, Company Security Officers
and Port Facility Security Officers.
To date, IMO has delivered or supported 19 advisory and needs-assessment
missions, as well as high-level briefings at national level, and
has organized 18 regional and sub-regional and 35 national seminars/workshops
covering all developing regions. To date, 2,691 personnel from
maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports and industry
and regional organizations have been trained.
IMO is currently in the process of commissioning the production
of a training package, which will incorporate relevant elements
of the SOLAS amendments, the ISPS Code, the IMO model course for
Port Facility Security Officers (No. 3.21) and the ILO/IMO Code
of Practice on Security in Ports, which is set to be approved
by both organizations during 2004. The training package is likely
to incorporate a CD-ROM containing video-clips, written materials
and inter-active, web-based links.
To further enhance the existing programme for maritime and port
security, IMO is also developing a related "Train-the-Trainer"
programme. The objective is to assist Governments to strengthen
regulatory implementation by enlarging the pool of trained instructors
capable of delivering high quality maritime security training
at the national and regional level, using IMO's updated training
package and its three model courses for security officers. The
programme will seek to identify potential instructors from Member
States and the industry who, following initial training through
IMO, can return to their countries and regions and train other
instructors.
Background
Following the terrorist attacks on the United States of America
on 11 September 2001, the United Nations, through Security Council
resolution 1373 (2001), called on the international community
to redouble efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts, including
full implementation of the anti-terrorist conventions.
In response, IMO adopted a resolution (A.924(22)) at its 22nd
Assembly session held in November 2001 calling for a review of
measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism which threaten
the security of passengers and crews and the safety of ships.
The Secretary-General of IMO was requested by the same resolution
to take appropriate measures, within the Integrated Technical
Co-operation Programme (ITCP), to assist Governments to strengthen
maritime and port security. It was made clear that it was essential
that the Organization begin to provide technical assistance concurrently
with the process of review and amendments of the regulatory regime.
In December 2002, the Organization convened a Diplomatic Conference
which adopted a series of measures aimed at providing an internationally
agreed and implemented regulatory framework for ship and port
security. The measures included the International Ship and Port
Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) and a series of amendments
to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). The new measures
will enter into force on 1 July 2004.
.......................
IMO - the International Maritime Organization
- is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility
for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of
marine pollution by ships.
Web site: www.imo.org
Purchase IMDG Code:
http://www.imo.org/home.asp?doc_id=1231&topic_id=426&header=false&margin=no&productcode=ID200E
For further information please contact:
Lee Adamson, Senior External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3153
(media@imo.org) or
Natasha Brown, External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3274 (media@imo.org
).
Lesley Brooks
Public Information Services
Tel: 0207 463 4211
Email: lbrooks@imo.org |
