IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 06/07

IMCA's INTRODUCTION TO THE ISPS CODE

Providing a safe and secure working environment for all their workforce is vital for the member companies of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), all of whom fully endorse the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Code was introduced following an act of terrorism and is a code of good practice relating to security activities and is now enshrined within international law.

"While vessel crews will be familiar with the ISPS Code the same is not always true of others visiting the vessel or company port facility," explains IMCA's chief executive, Hugh Williams. "For this reason we have published 'Introduction to the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code', which is designed to do exactly what it 'says on the tin' and act as an introductory note to the code. This could encompass a company's own employees, sub-contractors, suppliers and other visitors. We believe it will also prove to be an invaluable general reference for all personnel.

"We are encouraging member companies to expand their own version of the guidance detailing their own organisation's responsibilities for compliance. Their expanded version could also contain details on their own security policy. As we explain in the conclusion to our document, 'lack of awareness of the ISPS Code and its implications on the part of project managers and project personnel could cause significant, costly delays and have an adverse impact on business reputation'."

The guide looks at the objective of the ISPS Code, the background to the code, what it sets out to achieve, practical issues, ISPS Code requirements in general, responsibilities of contracting governments, security levels, responsibilities of the company and the ship, responsibilities of the port facility and implications for project manager.

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.