Shipboard Access Control - What you need to know!

Since 2004 the US Coastguard has released figures regarding ship detentions for maritime security violations, consistently one of the most frequent reasons for a ship to have action taken against it was the issue of "Access Control".

It is vital therefore that vessel personnel clamp down upon any weaknesses in their security in these regards.

The advice within this Shiptalk "What you need to know!" Security Guide, provides an overview of some of the most common security practices that may form part of any maritime security regime with regards to basic access control and gangway entry management.

With the five-year span of the first International Ship Security Certificates (ISSC) now reaching an end, and with the prospect of revalidation looming, the pressure to apply the basics of maritime security has never been more pressing.

Yet many ships are still failing to properly implement the most fundamental requirement of maritime security, policing access to the vessel. In fact according to The United States Coastguard (USCG), 33% of security deficiencies have been related directly to access control.

The guidance within "Shipboard Access Control" is based on the requirements of the ISPS Code, and also best industry practice - it provides background guidance to work in tandem with the Ship Security Plan (SSP) for each vessel, while encouraging personnel to ask questions and to engage in discussions on how gangway and access control is managed.

The aim of the guide is to support proper and effective access control, and is designed to give crews the confidence to act, an appreciation of their role and the huge importance it carries. It is written in basic terms to be easily understood by all, even those for whom English is a second language.

Introduction
Controlling Access
Who to grant access to?
Who to deny access to?
Access Control Options
Main Access Point
Searching
Visitor Logbooks
Basic Security Standing Orders
Access Control and Security Levels: Level 1
Access Control and Security Levels: Level 2
Access Control and Security Levels: Level 3
Training, Drills and Exercises
Third Party Guards
Risk Management and Planning
Port Security
Notes

40 pages - A6 Paperback

About The Author

Having been attacked by pirates when serving as a deck officer, Steven Jones has long had an interest and involvement in maritime security issues. This led to his attendance at the IMO during the sessions leading to the adoption of the ISPS Code, and consequently Steven has advised numerous shipping companies on their security planning.

Having worked in marine fraud investigations and as a security specialist at a major protection and Indemnity association he then took his years of research, professional involvement and in-depth knowledge of the ISPS Code to produce the book, "Maritime Security", published by The Nautical Institute.

Steven currently provides security comment and assessment for a number of maritime publications, he is a member of the advisory panel for the Leicester University Maritime and Supply Chain Security Diploma, a regular speaker at numerous Conferences and has guest lectured on a number of University and college courses.