ISPS is an abbreviation for International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. It is a set of regulations intended to increase sea security at ports and onboard ships. The body behind the code is IMO (International Maritime Organization), ruled by the United Nations. The international ISPS code came into force on 1 July 2004. For Wasaline and its customers this means that:
– Harbour areas are surrounded by a fence.
– All units must be booked in advance to guarantee entry to the harbour area.
– A list of goods, with separate itemisations of dangerous goods, must be presented for all units.
– Spending the night inside the fenced area is forbidden.
– Random checks can be made on the contents of all cargo units entering the area.
The ISPS code defines so-called security levels. They vary according to the situation and any perceived threats. The security levels are set by each country’s police authorities, and they may vary from port to port.
SECURITY LEVEL 1 (NORMAL SITUATION)
Security Level 1 is defined in the ISPS code as the default or normal state. At this level, a list of goods refers to a transport document that specifies the consigner, consignee, total weight and classification of the shipped goods.
TRUCKS AND VEHICLES ACCOMPANIED BY DRIVER
All units must be booked in advance before they have a right to be transferred into the fenced harbour area (ISPS area). This means that all waiting vehicles must either be booked at the check-in or they must wait outside the harbour area. The driver must present a list of goods at the check-in.
When the cargo contains dangerous goods, the transport documents must follow the IMDG/ADR regulations, valid at the time. At the destination harbour, the unit must leave the harbour area (ISPS area) immediately.
GOODS (TRAILERS, PAPER CASSETTES, CONTAINERS, BOATS, PALLETS)
All units must be booked in advance. An unbooked unit arriving at the harbour during the day must be booked before entry to the harbour area (ISPS area). Wasaline must be presented a cargo document, fulfilling the regulations valid at the time, on any dangerous goods. After depositing the cargo unit for shipping, the traction truck driver must leave the harbour area.
GENERAL CARGO
General cargo can be shipped only by separate agreement. While depositing the goods, the consigner must present a detailed list of goods and fill in a delivery note. All general cargo shipments will be given a visual check.
INSPECTION OF CARGO
The ISPS code requires that when Security Level 1 is in force, random checks will be made on the cargo and transport equipment. Checks will be made more frequently when Security Level 2 is in force. All those who are entering the ISPS area and who intend to travel onboard a Wasaline vessel shall be conscious of these requirements. Refusal to be inspected means a waiver of a right to travel with Wasaline. These inspections will be conducted in cooperation with relevant authorities.
