Maritime Security: A Practical Guide

This provides guidance to the shipping industry on how to guard against security threats and how to mitigate the commercial risks posed by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Mr Mitropoulos, Secretary General of The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has written the foreword, and has taken the opportunity to thank all across the industry for their contribution in making the adoption and first two years of ISPS such a relative success – though he stresses that there can be no complacency, and that the work must continue unabated.

“Maritime Security: A Practical Guide” is not just about the rules of security, it is also about the realities. One of the primary aims of the book being to encourage and foster an enthusiasm for security onboard ship, and to remind crews that the vessel is their home and should be protected as such.

There are three basic elements to the book:

- Why do we need security? Looking at the threats, and the profile of shipping and world trade.

- What do we need to do? The legislation, from the IMO and the unilateral rules which have emerged from the USA and EU.

- How can we do it? A guide to best practice and operational guidance.

The text offers helpful and up-to-date advice on current security practices both at sea and in ports. It covers developments in regulations, describes how security equipment can be used to best advantage and what new equipment is becoming available.

The author, Steven Jones, is a mariner with direct knowledge of both physical security and also of the ISPS Code. He has written numerous Ship Security Plans, audited many vessels and companies, and his expertise in both security and safety management ensure he is well placed to get the best out of these seemingly opposed areas of operation.

Jones has first hand experience of the threats posed to shipping, as he was subjected to a pirate attack when serving at sea – an experience that has shaped his rationale for applying security realistically onboard ship, and for making it work in reality not just on paper.

The publication of the book has been timed to coincide with the 2nd Anniversary of the ISPS Code, and as such will become a vital text for companies and personnel as they revisit their security plans and prepare for their Intermediate Verification audits. As Administrations turn their gaze back to ISPS will many security regimes stand up to more determined and aggressive flag State examinations?

The certification process went surprisingly smoothly up to the July 2004 deadline, as most companies and vessels managed to meet the standards required. However, as they approach the second and third anniversaries of certification can they be so confident, and will they have the budget and resources in place to deal with any potential problems adequately?

“Maritime Security: A Practical Guide”, is the first book that builds on the facts of ISPS and does not simply rely on guesswork, as the 2 years since July 2004 have generated a clear picture of the true fallout of maritime security across the entire shipping industry.

Author: Steven Jones

Published Date: 2006