ISPS Now Official

Published Jul 1, 2004 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The latest figures from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicate that as much as 68 percent of port facilities and 59 percent of vessels will not be in compliance with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code. Certification is based on audited security plans, trained personnel, and infrastructure being in place and operational by July 1, 2004. According to figures based on responses by governments, only 9,292, or 41 percent of the 22,479 vessels, and 32 percent of the 7,032 port facilities were certified on June 25th. The United States is the key driver of the ISPS Code, and the shipping industry will be watching closely as it is expected to not only enforce the application of the code, but to go beyond its application.