a) Security Levels
The Code lays down three security levels:
·         security level 1: normal, the level at which the ship or port facility normally operates, requiring minimum security measures;
·         security level 2: heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a heightened risk of a security incident; requiring additional security measures;
·         security level 3: exceptional, the level applying for the period of time when there is the probable or imminent risk of a security incident, requiring extensive security measures and the involvement of the authorities.
The main activities that have to be carried out by a port facility at security level 1 are:
·         carry out all security-related tasks;
·         access control;
·         keep the port facility and “no access” areas under surveillance;
·         supervise loading and unloading of cargo and ship’s stores;
·         ensure that security communication equipment is kept readily available.

b) Declaration of Security (DOS)

A DOS states that the ship and the port facility have agreed on specific security measures for the following situations:

·         whenever the ship requests them;

·         whenever the ship maintains higher level of security than the port facility;

  in other cases, whenever the competent authority considers it necessary.

c) Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) – the toolkit

The Port Facility Security Assessment is a risk analysis that is carried out and governed by the “contracting government.” Belgium has opted to use the “Port Facility Security Toolkit.” This is an interactive software package that enables companies to generate a port facility security plan on the basis of a risk analysis in the form of an extensive questionnaire. The additional measures that have to be taken by the company in order to comply with the ISPS Code are listed in a separate action plan. As measures are taken they are deleted from the action plan until finally the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) can be submitted for approval.

More info: www.havenbeveiliging.be 

d) Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)

For each port facility a Port Facility Security Plan has to be drawn up on the basis of a risk analysis and submitted to the competent authority. The plan must contain the necessary provisions for the three security levels. The plan must be updated at regular intervals (at least once every three years) to take account of changes in the types of cargo, their origins and destinations. A PFSP must contain at least the following chapters:

1.      Information on the company

2.      Risk analysis (to suit the type of company)

3.      Organisation and carrying out of surveillance tasks

4.      Communication and raising the alarm

5.      Access to the port facility

6.      No access or limited access areas

7.      Surveillance of the port facility

8.      Cargo handling

9.      Ship’s stores

10.  Unaccompanied baggage

11.  PFSP review and modification

e) Security certificates

The PFSP is formally approved by the Federal Committee for Port Security, which issues a security certificate. This committee also draws up a list of all port facilities that have been declared “secure” and submits it to the IMO in London and if required to the European Commission.

A list of all port facilities and their contact details can be found on the IMO website: www.imo.org/ISPSCode/ISPSPortFacilities.asp. This site also states whether the facilities are certified or not.

f) Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

The Port Facility Security Officer is responsible for drawing up and implementing the Port Facility Security Plan, and for reviewing it and keeping it up to date. He keeps in contact with the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and the Company Security Officer (CSO). Each port facility must have a Port Facility Security Officer who actually works in the port facility concerned.

g) Security certificates

The PFSP is formally approved by the Federal Committee for Port Security, which issues a security certificate. This committee also draws up a list of all port facilities that have been declared “secure” and submits it to the IMO in London and if required to the European Commission.

A list of all port facilities and their contact details can be found on the IMO website: www.imo.org/ISPSCode/ISPSPortFacilities.asp. This site also states whether the facilities are certified or not.

f) Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

The Port Facility Security Officer is responsible for drawing up and implementing the Port Facility Security Plan, and for reviewing it and keeping it up to date. He keeps in contact with the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and the Company Security Officer (CSO). Each port facility must have a Port Facility Security Officer who actually works in the port facility concerned.