3 Security Levels of ISPS Code

A security level is a system of defining code concerning security conditions to give information regarding the level of security threats occurring and security measures that need to be taken by related parties to mitigate security risks. 

Defining security levels is essential for communication in the field of security. Particularly, in handling security incidents. 

Understanding the security level code is a must for the related parties so that they can communicate efficiently by giving instructions for security measures that need to be taken. 

In relation to international ships and port facilities, the security level code was defined by the IMO through Part of the ISPS Code (that was later referred to in Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS). 

This definition of security level code is needed to determine security measures that need to be taken in mitigating security risks, handling security threats, and handling the impact of security incidents. 

There are three levels of security that were defined in the ISPS Code that are simply called; security level 1; security level 2; and security level 3. 

The security level – for both ships and port facilities – is set by the authorities of related countries, based on information acquired concerning national and international security conditions.

Several things to be considered when setting up the security levels are:

1. How credible is the threat information?
2. How corroborated is the threat information?
3. How specific and imminent is the threat information?
4. What is the potential consequence if such a security incident happened?

Security Level 1

Security Level 1 is the security level that needs the minimum-security measures that should be maintained all the time. This security level is set when ships or port facilities operate normally. 

Several security measures that need to be taken in Security Level 1 are, but not limited to:

Ship Security

1. Ensure the performance of every ship security duty
2. Control the access into the ship
3. Control the embarkation of persons and their effects
4. Monitor restricted areas to ensure that only authorised person have access to it
5. Monitor deck areas and areas surrounding the ship
6. Supervise cargo and ship supplies handling
7. Ensure that security communication could always be done

Port Facility Security

1. Ensure the performance of every port facility security duty
2. Control the access into the port facility
3. Monitor the port facility, including anchoring and berthing area(s)
4. Monitor restricted areas to ensure that only authorised persons have access to it
5. Supervise cargo handling
6. Supervise ship supplies handling
7. Ensure that security communications could always be done

Security Level 2

The increase of security level to Security Level 2 could be caused by threat information targeting ships or port facilities.

If this happens, additional security measures should be implemented for a limited period.

Additional measures that could be taken are, but not limited to:

Ship Security

1. Assign additional personnel to patrol the deck area during silent hours to prevent unauthorized access 
2. Limit the ship access points, identify points that need to be closed and the means of security.

Port Facility Security

1. Assign additional personnel to guard access points and patrol the perimeter
2. Limit the port facility access point, identify points that needed to be closed and the means of securing them. 

Security Level 3

The highest security level is Security Level 3. At this security level, specific security measures should be implemented for limited periods of time. 

Limited periods of time mean when a security incident could or is bound to happen. 

The specific security measures that could be implemented in this security level are, but not limited to:

Ship Security

1. Granting access only to parties that responded to the security incident or the threat of such a security incident.
2. Evacuating the ship

Port Facility Security

1. Suspension of all, or part of the access to the port facility
2. Increasing security patrol within the port facility

Securing Your Ships and Port Facilities

As a recognized security organization (RSO) in Indonesia, Nawakara could help you implement the ISPS Code. Securing your ships and port facilities and ensuring your compliance to the regulation.

Plan, develop and strengthen your ships and port facilities security with Nawakara!