(February 18, 2004)

MARSHALL ISLANDS ASSISTS ITS CODE PARTNERS IN ADVANCE PREPARATIONS FOR CODE COMPLIANCE DATE

The ISPS Code represents one of the stiffest challenges ever faced by not only the shipping industry but also ports, coastal states and flag states. “Successful implementation of the Code on July 1, 2004 depends on the full cooperation of, and good communications between, all these parties,” John Ramage, Managing Director of International Registries (UK) Ltd, told delegates to the Lloyd’s List Events conference on Maritime Security in London today.

“Furthermore, senior management within each of the organisations and companies involved needs to be totally committed to the ISPS Code and its aims. They need to ensure that this new maritime security mindset imbued in the Code percolates down through the ranks of their staffs, and that the appropriate training has been carried out.

“Even though the Code is going to be rigorously enforced from the outset, the security awareness of the average seafarer is, in general, almost non-existent,” added John Ramage. “This has to change quickly and it is incumbent upon management to make it happen.

“Although the Code is not going to be a miracle cure for the terrorist threat, if properly implemented, it will reduce the opportunities available to those who seek to attack ships or use them for their own nefarious purposes, whether they be pirates or terrorists. A strong commitment to the Code by all the participants will also yield unexpected safety benefits.”

IRI is the Corporate and Maritime Administrator of the Marshall Islands flag and, as part of the administration’s full commitment to the successful implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, shipowners and other relevant parties are being kept appraised of their obligations in a timely fashion. In an Advisory Note issued on February 13 owners and managers of vessels registered in the Marshall Islands were reminded that their Ship Security Plans (SSPs) are to be submitted to a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) by March 15, 2004. A copy of the Plan should also be sent to the ship at the same time so that implementation can begin promptly.

This deadline is necessary to ensure that the RSOs have enough time to review the SSPs, and also the ships are able to have an SSP which is being implemented onboard for the mandatory period of 60 days prior to the entry-into-force date. Companies that do not submit their SSPs to the RSO by March 15, 2004 run the risk of delays in both the RSO review and approval of the SSP due to the number of SSPs that have to be processed. Approximately 90 percent of Marshall Islands ships have now registered their appointed Ship Security Officer with IRI.

IRI is holding a meeting of its appointed RSOs at its head office in Reston, Virginia on March 16, 2004 to provide further RSO guidance and answer any questions individual organisations may have as a result of their experience with the SSP approval process so far.