SECURITY NOW! FROM PLAN TO ACTION

Security threats come in all shapes and sizes, with different intents, agendas, and motives. Not everyone who wishes to do us harm, is a terrorist. Any unauthorized person with unauthorized access to a vessel has a potential to harm – thieve, hijacker, stowaway, etc. Crew members and officers may be asked to modify their duties once a vessel security plan is in force. In general, they shall be fully aware of all security threats and issues.

They shall arrange for the thorough inspection of the security equipment and reporting on any malfunctioning items. In addition to that, they shall immediately report any suspicious persons, objects and activities. Moreover, they may be assigned additional duties as required by the security plan. There will be different security measures required depending upon the security level, which is set by the port authorities. The security plan will have a graduated table of responsibilities and duties which are appropriate to each of three security levels, and per the ISPS Code.

Another critical implementation is establishing restricted areas and controlling access to those areas. These restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, the following – the navigational bridge, machinery spaces, main and auxiliary steering gear compartments, ventilation and AC systems, systems with direct access to the potable water tanks, pumps, and manifolds, etc.