Step 6 of 10•2 minutes read
Security Measures
Cargo Operations
Port facility security plans contain measures to ensure effective security of cargo and cargo handling equipment in the port facility. The security measures relating to the handling of cargo should prevent tampering and that cargo not intended for carriage is accepted and stored within the port facility. In addition to these, the security measures to be applied when handling cargo should include routine screening of cargo, cargo transport units and cargo storage areas within the port facility before and during goods handling operations; checks to ensure that the goods entering the port facility correspond to the delivery note or equivalent loading documentation; vehicle searches; and checking seals and other methods used to prevent tampering upon entry into the port facility and during storage within the port facility.
Cargo control may be done by some or all of the following means: visual and physical examination and using scanning/detection equipment, mechanical devices or dogs (Reference: ISPS Code, Part A, paragraph 16.3.12 and Part B, paragraphs 16.30, 16.32 and 16.33).
In addition, the security measures relating to the delivery of ship's stores must ensure the control of shipboard stocks and the integrity of packages; prevent ship's stores from being accepted without inspection; prevent tampering; prevent ship's stores from being accepted unless ordered; ensuring the search of the delivery vehicle; and providing escort of delivery vehicles within the port facility (Reference: ISPS Code, Part B, paragraph 16.38).
Each PFSP must have procedures in place to ensure that 'unaccompanied baggage' is identified and subjected to appropriate screening, including a search before it is allowed into the port facility or transferred between the port facility and the ship (Reference: ISPS Code, Part B, paragraph 16.45).
Incident Response
Incident response is an important part of any PFSP and must address procedures for responding to security breaches, including arrangements for maintaining critical port facility or ship/port interface operations and procedures for reporting any security incidents.
Security Incidents Generally Fall into Two Categories
Those considered serious enough to be reported to the competent authorities by the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), among which must certainly be reported:
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Unauthorised access to reserved areas within the port facility;
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Unauthorised transportation or discovery of weapons or prohibited items in the port facility;
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Incidents of which the media are aware;
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Bomb warnings;
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Unauthorised disclosure of a Port Facility Security Plan.
Those of a less serious nature but which require reporting and investigation by the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), namely:
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Control point violations;
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Inappropriate use of cards;
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Damage to security equipment from sabotage or vandalism;
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Suspicious behaviour within or near the port facility;
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Suspicious packages in or near the port facility;
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Unprotected access points.
(Reference: ISPS Code, Part A, paragraph 16.3.3)