Overview

The maritime community has a series of special measures to enhance maritime security. These are contained in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code.

This guide explains how maritime security is managed in the UK, how security measures are applied and how you should comply with them. It also provides guidance on how to deal with stowaways and deter acts of violence against merchant ships, such as piracy and armed robbery.

You can find guidance and information on maritime security training. It also explains how Ship Identification Numbers (SINs) and Continuous Synopsis Records (CSRs) work.

Maritime security management

The AuditMaritime Security and VerificationMLC OperationsBranch branch is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and co-ordinates a series of special measures to ensure security in the maritime community.

AuditThe Maritime Security and VerificationMLC OperationsBranch

The branchBranch provides technical advice and guidance to make sure that SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code are consistently applied and maintained.

The Department for Transport and the AuditMaritime Security and VerificationMLC Operations branchBranch

Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for security across all forms of transport, including maritime.

As policy leaders and advisers, DfT implements measures in UK ports that security arrangements meet UK standards.

The MCA is responsible to DfT for:

• implementing the ISPS Code for all UK-registered ships
• undertaking security aspects of Port State Control (PSC) inspections of foreign vessels in UK ports, including passenger ships where this is a logical extension of the PSC inspection
• receiving and handling ship security alerts in line with agreed standard operating procedures
• approving and auditing training providers for Ship Security Officer (SSO) and Company Security Officer (CSO) courses

The ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of measures designed to strengthen the security of ships and port facilities.

It was historically implemented in UK through the EU regulation on enhancing ship and port facility security (725/2004). The Ship and Port Security (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 came into force on EU exit day. At this time, SI 2019 No. 0308 amends 2004/0725 (Regulation), SI 2004 No. 1495, SI 2009 No. 2048 and revokes 2008/0324 (Regulation).

The code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is a risk management activity and that, to determine what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be made in each particular case.

The purpose of the code is to provide a standardised, consistent framework for evaluating risk. This enables governments to counteract changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities by adopting the appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures.

For further information please email hq_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk.

In theYou casecan ofcall urgentthe technicalMCA enquiriesSecurity outsideand normalMLC Branch during office hours,hours youon may+44 contact(0)20390 the85178 or in case of urgent technical enquiries may call MCA Duty Surveyor during out of office hours on +44 (0)7810 528504.

This duty surveyor number must not be used for any urgent or routine enquiriesenquires during normal office hours.

Ship Security Plans

To comply with the ISPS Code requirements, every companycompany/ship or ship must have a Ship Security Plan (SSP). As a minimum, this must address the requirements in paragraphsparagraph A/9.4 and B/9.2.

The purpose of an SSP is to:

• help prevent illegal acts against the ship, crew and passengers
• minimise damage to the marine environment and port facilities

SSPs for for UK-registered vessels must be approved by the the MCA or by a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) when ISSC certification for those EAS vessels isare delegated to RSOs.

When you submit an SSP it must be accompanied by a Ship Security Assessment (SSA). The SSA is an essential and integral part of the process of developing and updating an SSP. In addition,addition MCA form MSF5611 mustto be completed by the CSO and submitted along with the SSP.

While formulating an SSP, CSOsCSO shouldto take guidance onfor UK ship security requirements from Maritime Security Measures (MSM),(MSM) which areis available from theMaritime AuditSecurity and VerificationMLC Operationsbranch Branch or CSM. MSMsMSM show CSOs for UK-registered ships what must be contained within SSPs.

For further information please email hq_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC branch during office hours on +44 (0)203 9085178.

You should send your SSP to hq_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk for approval. There is currently no charge applicable for approving SSPs. at present.

Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS)

The SSAS is part of the ISPS Code. It is a system that contributes to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) efforts to strengthen maritime security and suppress acts of terrorism and piracy against shipping.

The SSAS for UK-registered ships should be programmed to send an alert to a nominated 24-hour24 hour contact and to the UK Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (UK-JRCC).

To notify the MCA of changes in contact details of the nominated contact or of the CSO, the CSO should complete MSF5608 and send it to the address detailed on the form.

SSAS is not required to be fitted on board ships where the ISPS Codecode doesis not apply.applicable. However, if a shipowner decides to fit a SSAS on board those ships, the masterMaster and key crew memberson board must receiveget training and familiarisation on activating, deactivating and limiting false alertsalert from the SSAS unit fitted on board. MSF5608 (ISPS Code Contact Details) must be completed and sent to the MCA for recording the details of the CSO and vessel.

For further information please email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC Branch during office hours on +44 (0)20390 85178.

Ships that must comply with maritime security requirements

The SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code apply to the following types of ships engaged on international voyages:

• passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft
• cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards
• mobile offshore drilling units

The UK has extended the ISPS Code to include:

• domestic Class‘Class AA’ passenger ships (domestic ships which travel more than 20 miles from a place of refuge)
• domestic Class‘Class BB’ passenger ships certified to carry more than 250 passengers and tankers

For further information please email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC Branch during office hours on +44 (0)203 9085178.

Your application for ISPS Code verification (survey of ship security systems)system) will usually be undertaken at the same time as an International Safety Management Code audit and MLC 2006 inspection.

To apply for an ISPS Code verification, you should complete and send an application form to your local Marine Office.

There is no fee for undertaking the ISPS verification.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-survey-of-ships-and-fishing-vessels-msf-5100.Download an application form for survey and inspection of ships and fishing vessels from the MCA website (PDF, 35KB).

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency/about/access-and-opening.Find contact details for Marine Offices.

For further information please email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC branch during office hours on +44 (0)203 9085178.

Deter piracy, armed robbery and other acts of violence against merchant ships

The DfT has responsibility for counter-piracypolicy policy.on counter piracy.

Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 440 (M) Amendment 1 aims to help ship owners, operators,operators (companies), masters and seafarers understand the risks posed by piracy, armed robbery and other acts of violence against merchant shipping. DfT has identified steps you can take to reduce the risk of such acts and advises on how to deal with and report them if they occur.

This MGN and associated links of national and international guidance covers:cover the following:

• specific guidance for Somalia, the Northwest Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Guinea
• recommended practices to deter acts of piracy
• recommended practices to deter acts of armed robbery
• jurisdiction and intervention
• the role of the port and coastal state
• reporting incidents

Key points include:

• planning the voyage by- carryingcarry out a risk assessment and assessingmake an assessment of the measures required when transiting high-riskhigh risk areas
• training and planning,planning as- many attempted piracy and armed robbery attacks‘attacks’ are unsuccessfulunsuccessful, becausecountered crewsby ships’ crew who have planned and trained in advance
• being vigilant
• maintaining a high speed where possible in high-risk areas
• using effectivegood communications with relevant authorities and- reportingreport incidentsto the relevant authorities before, during or after an attack

To read the full notice and associated links regarding guidance, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-440-m-amendment-1-measures-to-counter-piracy-armed-robbery.download MGN 440 (M) Amendment 1 Measure to counter piracy, armed robbery

High threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia

There is a growing need for CSOs to remain aware of piracyhigh threats of piracy in the Gulf of Aden,Aden and off the coast of Somalia and elsewhere in the world. If your vessel will be passing through the area, you should:

• register in advance with the European Naval Force through the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA):). https://www.mschoa.org/Register with the European Naval Force on the MSCHOA website

• report

  Report frequently to the UK Maritime Trade Organisation in Dubai (UKMTO Dubai) and email info@ukmto.orgthem for the latest information at info@ukmto.org.

UKMTO Dubai can provide advice and information on other maritime security issues in the Gulf of Aden, theStraits Strait of Hormuz and thegeneral wider Gulf area, including information on known naval operations and exercises.exercises, and possible interaction between them and vessels on passage.

For further information, email the Maritime Security Division of the Department for Transport at maritimesecurity@dft.gov.uk.

Stowaways

The UK Border Agency has responsibility for dealing with stowaways.

MarineMaritime Guidance Note (MGN)) 70 70(M) (M), as amended,amended offers guidanceguidelines to ship owners, operators, charterers, managers, shipping agents, port authorities, masters and ship’s officers on managinghow stowawayto incidents.deal with stowaways on vessels. It also provides practical advice on the procedures to follow if you find a stowaway on board.

MGN 70 (M) reminds you of the need:

• for continuous vigilance against stowaways
• to carry out adequate searches, especially when a hold is to be sealed orand/or fumigated
• to provide feedback on the guidelines’ practical effectiveness of the guidance

You can https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-70-m-amendment-1-guidelines-on-responsibilities-resolution-of-stowaways.download MGN 70 (M) amendment 1 Guidelines on the allocation of responsibilities for successful resolution of stowaway cases.

Always refer to the latest IMO guidancelatest guidelines on the allocation of responsibilities forto seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases.

For further information please email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC Branch during office hours on +44 (0)20390 85178.

Ship Identification Numbers and Continuous Synopsis Records

SINs and CSRs are special measures to ensure maritime safety contained in the SOLAS Chapter XI-1. They are also closely associated with the application of the ISPS Code.

SOLAS Chapter XI-1 Regulation 3/4.1 requires that a SIN be permanently marked in visible places on the vessel,vessel as applicable:applicable, eg:

• on the stern
• on either side of the hull, amidships port and starboard, above the deepest assigned load line
• on either side of the superstructure, port and starboard
• on the front of the superstructure
• in the case of passenger ships, on a horizontal surface visible from the air, in the case of passenger shipsair

Identification for large commercial yachts

UK-registered large commercial yachts are authorised to display the SIN on a horizontal‘horizontal surface visible from the air,air’, in the same way as passenger ships.

Continuous Synopsis Record

The CSR is intended to provide an onboardon-board record of the ship’shistory history.of the ship. Every ship tothat which SOLAS Chapter I applies to must have an updated CSR containing specified information, including:

• the name of the state whosefor flagwhich the ship is entitled to fly the flag
• the date of ship registration
• the SIN
• the port ofit registryis registered at
• the name, registered address and unique identification number of the owner

The Registry of Seamen and Shipping issues CSRs. https://www.gov.uk/topic/ships-cargoes/ship-registration.Read about vessel registration on the MCA website.

For further information please email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. You can call the MCA Security and MLC Branch during office hours on +44 (0)20390 85178.

Training for Company Security Officers and Ship Security Officers

Shipping companies are required to designate a CSO to co-ordinate the security activities of the company and its ships, and to liaise with port facilities and governments. All ships must have a properly trained SSO on board.

CSO training and duties

The ISPS Code defines the CSO as the person designated by the company to make sure that:

• a Ship Security Assessment is carried out
• a SSP is developed, submitted for approval,approval and thenthereafter implemented and maintained
• liaison with port facility security officers and the SSO is maintainedupheld

There is no requirement for these duties to be included in the SSP, but evidence thatof the activities havehaving taken place will be sought during verification visits.

A key requirement of the ISPS Code is thatfor the people with security responsibilities areto be appropriately trained.trained to carry out their duties. The government requires that CSOs and SSOs associated with UK-registered ships to undergo approved trainingtraining, in accordance with Maritime Safety Committee (MSC)(MSC)/Circular Circular 1154. Download MSC/Circular 1154 from the IMO website (PDF, 161KB).

For companies with more than 50%50 per cent of ships registered in the UK, the training provider must have been approved by the MCA. Find contact details for MCA-approved training providers with information on colleges and training associations on the MCA website..

SSO training and duties

You should designate ana SSO on each shipship, and include the SSO’s duties in the SSP.

A key requirement of the ISPS Code is thatfor the people with security responsibilities areto be appropriately trained.trained to carry out their duties. The government requires CSOsthat CSO and SSOs associated with UK-registered ships to undergo approved training.

An SSO requires a certificate of proficiency. See the guide seafarer Certificates of Competency.

An SSO on a UK-registered ship can take one of two routes tofor obtain a certificate of proficiency as required by STCW VI/5:

• The officer can hold a certificate issued by a training provider recognised by MCA. Find contact details for MCA-approved colleges on the MCA website

• The officer can hold a certificate of proficiency as an SSO issued in accordance with STCW VI/5,VI/5 as setper outrequirements inon MSN 1865 (M) Download MSN 1865 (M) Seafarer training and certification guidance

Approval of training providers

If you are a training provider and want to haveget your SSO or CSO courses approved by the MCA, you can read information about approval of security training courses on GOV.UK.the MCA website.

For further information, you can call the MCA Training and Certification Helpline on +44 (0)203 8172 200 or email them at stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk.

Further information

MCA Navigational Safety Branch

Email navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk or call +44 (0)203 8172 425.425

Audit MCA andSecurity VerificationPolicy Operations branchBranch

Email HQ_maritimesecurity@mcga.gov.uk. or call the MCA Security and MLC Branch during office hours on +44 (0)20390 85178.

DfT Maritime Helpdesk

Email0300 maritimesecurity@dft.gov.uk.330 3000

MCA Training and Certification helplineHelpline

+44 (0)203 8172 200

Download MSN 1672 (M) Amendment 4 The Merchant Shipping (Ship Inspection and Survey Organisations) Regulations 1996

Download an application form for survey and inspection of ships and fishing vessels from the MCA website (PDF, 34K

Marine Office contact details on the MCA website

Download MGN 440 (M) Amendment 1 Measure to counter piracy, armed robbery

European Naval Force registration information on the MSCHOA website

Download MGN 70 (M) Guidelines on the allocation of responsibilities for successful resolution of stowaway cases

Download the Annex to MGN 70 (M)

Security training course approval information on the MCA website

Download MSC/Circular 1154 from the MCA website (PDF, 161KB)

MCA-approved colleges contact details on the MCA website