Northeast Maritime Institute

Ship Security Surveys

Maritime Ship Security Assessor/Surveyor

 Overview

• Initial Verification Survey

– Prior to Certificate Issue
• Intermediate Verification Survey
– Normally between 2nd & 3rd Year of a 5 yr.
certification
• Renewal Survey
– Prior to Expiration of Certificate
– Normally expected to be 5 Years

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 Auditor/Surveyor

• Security Verification Surveys are conducted by

– Flag Administrations or
– designated Recognized Security Organizations
• It is recommended that Surveys be conducted
in accordance with internationally accepted
process audit practices
– Particularly ISO 10011-1.
• While it is assumed that the attendees of this
course are familiar with such practices, it is
useful to review the audit process in the
context of maritime security.

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 Scope of Survey

• Verification surveys shall ensure that the

security system of the ship fully complies with
– Applicable requirements of chapter XI-2 and
– Part A of the ISPS Code.
• Fully means:
– Surveys are to completely cover requirements
– No deficiencies (Findings) are allowed
• Renewal surveys shall be conducted for
vessels issued certificates at intervals specified
by the Administration, but not exceeding five
years.

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 Scope of Survey

• The Ship Security Survey should examine and evaluate

existing shipboard protective measures, procedures and
operations for:
– ensuring the performance of all ship security duties;
• Demonstrate Knowledge of relative Security Plan content from
Interviews
• Drills and Exercises
• Demonstrate use and operation of Security Equipment
– monitoring (or controlling?) restricted areas to ensure that
only authorized persons have access;
• Locks
• Alarms
• Escorts
• Guards
• CCTV

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 Scope of Survey

• The Ship Security Survey should examine and evaluate

existing shipboard protective measures, procedures and
operations for:
– controlling access to the ship, including pass systems;
• Unused access points secured
• Watch posted at used access points
• Visitor Passes Issued and recorded (visitors log)
– monitoring of deck areas and areas surrounding the ship;
• Lighting
• Patrols during heightened levels of security
• CCTV
• Watch Posted on Bridge during heightened security levels

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 Scope of Survey

• The Ship Security Survey should examine and evaluate

existing shipboard protective measures, procedures and
operations for:
– controlling the embarkation of persons and their effects
• Searches of accompanied and unaccompanied baggage and
ship’s personnel personal effects
• Search of persons embarking
• Inspection and/or verification of credentials
– supervising the handling of cargo and the delivery of ship’s
stores;
• Inspection of spares and stores received
• Approved vendor list?
• Verification of cargo received
• Control of Manifests (if available) and Cargo Plans

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 Scope of Survey

• The Ship Security Survey should examine and

evaluate existing shipboard protective
measures, procedures and operations for:
– ensuring that ship security communication,
information, and equipment are readily available.
• Test Operation
• Inspect Maintenance Records
• Review Other Records

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 Audit Process

• Opening Meeting
– Explain Purpose
– Review methodology
• Interviews
• Observed activities
• Record Reviews
– Arrange for guide, as needed
– Schedule Interviews
– Schedule Drills or exercises
– Explain ramification of deficiencies
– Schedule Closing Meeting

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 Interviews

• Time interviewing should statistically be

spent:
– asking questions 20% of the time and
– 80% listening to the answers.
• Strive to put put the interviewee at ease
• Ask your questions in plain language
• Ask open ended questions
• Verify responses
– Rephrase responses into questions requiring yes
– no answers.

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 Observed Practice

• For Security:
– How is Gangway watch is conducted
– Are restricted areas marked and secured
– Observe onboard training sample
• Demonstration of equipment use
– Drills and exercises

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 Review Records

• Onboard records to be examined:

– training, drills and exercises;
– reports of security incidents and breaches;
– changes in security level;
– maintenance, calibration and testing of security
equipment;
– communications relating to the direct security of the
ship such as specific threats to the ship; and
– internal Security Audit results; and
– periodic review of the security survey.
• Each Ship Security Assessment must be
documented & Retained by the Company
– Maintained on board?

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 Closing Meeting

• Findings may be discovered

– Only difference is certificate will not be
issued
– This is why IMO is holding steadfast to
“fully” and completely” for Initial.
• Will not halt trading unless after July 1, 2004
• However, discussion are ongoing concerning
interim and renewal surveys concerning this
issue.

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 Northeast Maritime Institute
Training Today’s Mariners for Tomorrow’s Maritime Industry!

32 Washington Street
Fairhaven, MA 02719
www.northeastmaritime.com
info@northeastmaritime.com

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