Update Your ISPS at Seawork
ISPS exercises underway at Lairdside Maritime Centre.
As the second anniversary of the implementation of the ISPS Code rapidly approaches, it is an appropriate time for port facilities and ships to consider how workable their security plans remain and whether any changes in operation need to be considered. The best way to achieve this is to undertake an appropriate security exercise.
Although there are no specific definitions, drills generally test parts of the plan whilst exercises should test the overall plan, all related security procedures, communication, coordination, resource availability and response.
In particular, emphasis should be placed on changes in security level, interfacing security measures between ships and port facilities, access and restricted area control, handling of cargo, stores and security incident reporting as well as the exchange of Declarations of Security (DOS).
Lairdside Maritime Centre, Seawork exhibitor and sponsor of the UK Harbour Masters' Association AGM/luncheon at Seawork, in association with the Port of Liverpool Police, have been providing an exercise service to port facility and ship operators since the implementation of the ISPS Code and during this time have gained an appreciation of the associated problems.
Phil Davies of Lairdside Maritime Centre said; 'Having run a number of detailed ISPS exercises for various clients, we have found that it is important to design them relevant to that client's operation. It is vital that the scenarios are realistic. In this way attendees can engage and consequently their responses are appropriate to the level of threat'.
He added, 'It is no good having a security plan sat on the shelf, it must be workable. We in the marine industry may feel somewhat buffered, but events such as those in July last year in London show how vital it is to have workable, tested plans that can be activated immediately'.
Lairdside Maritime have now launched a new ISPS Internal Auditors Course to supplement their exercise service.
MJInformation No: 21957
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