ISPS Maintenance and Auditing

We offer cost effective, commercially viable solutions to meet the ISPS requirements. Our internationally approved services can be specifically tailored to our client’s requirements to compliment and protect their commercial operations and business interests.

• Internal ISPS Audits – we will assist with periodic internal audits of the Security Plans to ensure that they continue to meet legislative requirements and are properly implemented. Such audits can be of great value in maintaining compliance with the ISPS Code in particular, and in preparation for intermediate verification performed by the ISSC certifying authority. Upon completion of the audit, advice and recommendations will be given on any deficiencies found.


• Maintenance of Security Plan / Regulatory Review and Update – Upon carrying out the Internal ISPS audit we will conduct an annual review of the Security Plan and update it as necessary to ensure that it is in compliance with the ISPS code and the relevant regulations. We can incorporate any specific updates that the company would like to make to the Security Plan at this time.


• We have developed and maintained good relations with the US Coast Guard (USCG), the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the IMO and can discuss proposed regulatory changes. We can provide each client with quarterly reports and interim updates, as conditions warrant. Alerts can also be sent out for major regulatory changes and reminders for upcoming compliance dates. Clients can request from us specific information or clarification of existing or proposed rule changes.


• Required ISPS Maintenance and Ongoing Drills and Exercises – HART can design, coordinate and conduct a variety of exercises to help train, prepare and validate your “company’’ to respond to various security incidents. Training drills are required every third month or within a week of a 25% change in ships crew. Training exercises are required once per calendar year. Both of these are ISPS internal audit requirements. Exercises and security drills are essential elements for evaluating the effectiveness of the security system, all procedures, plans, and their fundamental components: employees and resources. All deficiencies that emerge during the Internal Audit and Drills/Exercises can be addressed through the next stage, Security Awareness Training


• Security Awareness Training – ISPS compliance includes the requirement for security awareness training, not only for those with security related duties, but for all employees. The nature of security provision is one that can easily fall into mundane routine which, after time, may falter and eventually fail. The requirement for the security message to be repetitious but also stimulating is a challenge to any organization. HART, utilizing the vast experience of its senior instructors, is able to deliver relevant experience and knowledge utilizing up to date and appropriate security training material.

ISPS Security Exercises

In accordance with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code (including SOLAS amendments) Part A, Paragraph 13, 18, guidance given in Part B and mandatory requirements from USCG Navigation and Inspection Circulars (NVICs), exercises are to be conducted each calendar year with no more than 18 months between each exercise. We offer a comprehensive range of ISPS exercises that meet both legislation and client requirements.

Security Exercise Planning

Exercises are planned to evaluate elements of the Ship and Port Facility Security Plans. This product can be developed to achieve a number of company requirements, either individually or simultaneously, such as:

• Testing security in restricted areas
• Internal evaluation of security measures
• Incident management response testing
• Security awareness testing
• Drills for company personnel
• Maintaining security plan/program

Exercise Analysis

• Our Planning Team will conduct an Exercise analysis in order to ensure that the scenario is relevant and realistic to the needs of the Ship or Facility (bomb, mortar, intruder, chemical spill, fire, etc.).
• The following elements will be addressed:
  
  • Identify assets
  • Identify and characterise threat scenarios
  • Identify and characterize vulnerabilities
  • Identify physical countermeasures

Once the elements have been identified, the Planning Team will decide on the type of Exercise to be conducted.

Exercise Design

The Exercise design phase of the project will determine the Exercise parameters, finalise the details of the scenario and produce a time managed programme.

Conduct of the Exercise

The identified Exercise will be controlled and directed by our Team in full co-operation with the Ship or Facility. Prior to conducting the Exercise, time will be allocated to set up the exercise areas and address any last minute questions or alterations that need to be made in order to ensure there is no disruption to commercial activities.

Exercise Debriefing

At the conclusion of the Exercise, all exercise attendees will be fully debriefed.

Exercise Evaluation and Report

We will fully evaluate the exercise and provide a final report, documenting observations and lessons learned and making recommendations for follow up actions.