FULFILLING THE ISPS TRAINING REQUIREMENT

The Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements are clear. However, if neither terrorist incident nor governmental audit of the requirements take place, there may be a feeling that the risk has receded, and that view may well grow over time and priority given to preparedness decrease. Maritime security training needs to be ongoing, just as military preparedness does.

Part of the training and preparedness must be a programme of security awareness for all. Now that the initial, priority requirement of the ISPS – the training of a port facility security officer (PFSO) and his alternate – has been carried out, the maritime industry should not assume that the security task is complete. Experience of terrorist incidents, such as the World Trade Centre and Madrid train bombing, shows that such attacks are but a phase of a long campaign.

Organisations should conduct a security training needs analysis. In addition to general awareness training, they should give top up courses to those who have already been trained with exercises to stimulate their thinking. They also must insure that replacement personnel are adequately trained or give them further instruction.

It is equally important that the culture reflects general security awareness throughout the organisation. The challenge is to meet an ever-changing threat. Potential victims are not limited to those directly involved with the port or ship; any organisation that provides a service for a port or ship is potentially at risk.

Governments recognise that a longer, drawn out campaign is needed to counter the terrorist risk effectively. Establishing measures to deter counterfeit trading, drug smuggling, robbery, stowaways and theft are in the interest of the maritime industries as well, if for no other reason that that they can also help industry profitability. Although there may be a cost to implementing the physical measures necessary and to creating a change in attitude and culture, it should not be a barrier when measured against the improvements that can be achieved. Indeed, many of these measures should have been in place already. There will always be a wish for greater governmental financial contribution, but the maritime industry must not wait until this has been resolved.

It is inevitable that in the near future, perhaps as the result of an incident, governments will put an audit regime in place to ensure that security requirements are being met. This should flush out any poor standards insofar as security training is concerned, both for awareness and specific courses.

Effective Security Planning
To write an effective security plan, based upon a realistic security assessment, the maritime industry needs greater involvement with the security industry. Neither possesses sufficient experience and expertise in the other’s field. Only full and effective cooperation between them can resolve the terrorist problem.

Within the security planning process, after a certificate of compliance has been issued, the plan should be tested and adjusted at least annually. In a similar way, the assessment needs to be reviewed and revised at least every year.

Best practice organisations demonstrate that security is everybody’s responsibility. Everyone needs to contribute if the pieces of the information jigsaw are to be put together to permit the effective analysis that leads to the prevention of terrorist acts.

But individuals only contribute to this observation process if they have been trained and they are aware that they have an effective role to play. The organisation also benefits, since besides equipping personnel with the appropriate knowledge, the investment in training can build up loyalty.
Putting in place the basic training for the nominated person responsible for security will at least start the process. The organisation should also review the risk in terms of people, procedures and equipment and, as a result, provide a more effective process and security programme.

When maritime organisations review their proposals for dealing with the terrorism threat, they should take advantage of what advice, assistance and physical help that is available. Many public services, particularly government agencies and the police give their advice and time freely. Web sites provide additional information. Another idea is to establish a network of individuals/organisations who have similar problems and share solutions. This building up of a security culture is an ongoing process, but it has its rewards. It is certainly part of full implementation of the ISPS.