Best Practices on and beyond
the ISPS Code
Presented by
Capt Pang Yock Foo, Controller
Maritime & Port Authority of
Singapore (MPA)
SCOPE OF PRESENTATION
POST 9-11
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ISPS CODE
BEYOND THE ISPS CODE
Post 9 11: Securing port waters
 Prohibited areas around sensitive installations
 Monitoring movements of sensitive vessels
 Designated routes for certain types of vessels
 Designated landing points to facilitate ship’s
crewmembers going through customs and
immigration
Implementation of the ISPS Code
Set up 24-hr Port Security Unit
Implement control measures for non-compliant
ISPS ships
Endorsed Training Providers (SSO,CSO, PFSO courses)
Legislation to give effect to the ISPS Code
1400 Singapore–registered ships and 123 port
facilities are in compliance
- 25 of the 123 port facilities serve ships of less than
500GT and these ships go outside the port waters
Beyond the ISPS Code
ISPS Code focused on commercial
facilities and larger vessels
Small vessels not compelled to comply
with the Code
Small vessels vulnerable to security
threats and used as a WMD
Beyond the ISPS Code
 To safeguard its ships and port facilities and to enhance
maritime security, Singapore developed the following:
 Guidance for establishing security measures when calling non-ISPS
compliant ports
 Ship Self-Security Assessment Checklist
 Licensing for Regional Ferry Operators
 Harbour/Pleasure Craft Security Code
 Passenger Vessel Security Matrix
 Harbour Craft Transponder System (HARTS)
 Cruising Permit for Pleasure Craft
Guidance for Establishing Security
Measures when calling at non-ISPS
compliant port

Not all port facilities in the
world are ISPS compliant

Guidance in the form of
additional measures to take
while in port
- restrict access to ship
- deployment of security guards
- secure accommodation, engine
room, store rooms
- check for stowaways,
unidentified package and
baggage
Ship Self-Security Assessment
Checklist
 Small vessels to complete
the SSSA checklist before
entry
 Raise security awareness
of master and
crewmembers
 SSSA checklist will assist
small vessel’s master in
doing a Declaration of
Security with the PFSO
Regional Ferry Operator Licence
Scheme
• Annual Licence for all 6 Regional Ferry operators introduced in Jan
2005
• Inter-agency security audits are conducted to ensure compliance
• Licensing conditions cover the following:
– General Security Provisions
Protect the ferry and its passengers from unlawful activities
– Checks on Baggage
System of baggage tagging / Check all baggage brought to ferry
– Checks on Persons
Only passengers with valid boarding pass and travel documents are
allowed to board
– Access Control Measures
All entrances into the ferry are manned and monitored
Secure ferry to prevent unauthorized access
HARBOUR CRAFT SECURITY
CODE

Daily about 1,200 licensed harbour
craft operate within the port
waters

Contribute to the operational
efficiency of our ports

4 Key Areas in the Code
- Access Control Security
Measures
- Activity Security Measures
- Security Measures while
navigating in Port Waters
- Communication Security
Measures
and Contact Information
Harbour Craft Security Code
PLEASURE CRAFT SECURITY
CODE
 Further enhances security for
pleasure craft
 Provides security guidance to the
pleasure craft community
 4 key areas in the Code
- Just be prepared
- Be Vigilant to suspicious
activity / craft
- Maintaining observant
posture
- Be proactive in reporting
Passenger Vessel Security Matrix
 A security matrix based on the following key criteria were developed
to identify passenger ships with low on board security. Follow up
actions were taken to enhance the on board security arrangements
for 3 passenger vessels.
 100 % security check
 Metal detectors / X-ray machines / Trace explosive detectors
 Trained security guards
 CCTV / Intruder alarms
 Security measures for non-ISPS compliant ports
 Measures to ward off unauthorised boarding
HARTS Information Flow
TELCO BASE
STATIONS
TELCO
GPRS
NETWORK
HARTS
SYSTEM
PORT OPERATIONS
CONTROL CENTRE
HARTS
Panic Button
Key Feature:
In the event of a security threat or
distress, craft drivers can activate the
‘Panic Button’ to send an alert to the
shore-based control centre
Conclusion
 Continual improvement of security measures is important
and Singapore will work with all stake-holders to review
the security measures for its port and ships
 Maritime security is not an issue one country can address
on its own and requires co-operation and concerted efforts
from all countries
 Singapore contributes to global maritime security by
sharing its best practices
THANK YOU