THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED July 1 deadline for the implementation of International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code has passed without any major disruption in global maritime traffic.
At the time the code took effect the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had reported that 86 per cent of the ships and 69 per cent of the port facilities had complied with its requirements. However, despite the absence of full compliance, there were fewer detentions and denial of entry of vessels than anticipated.
This was due in large part to the approach taken by the relevant government authorities including those in Jamaica, which showed a full appreciation of the spirit of co-operation and trade facilitation encouraged by the code. It was also recognised that flag states with large registries lacked the capacity to fulfil the requirements for the issue of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), and the fact that some port facilities would not be able to meet the deadline but would 'come on board' shortly thereafter.
"Jamaica can be proud in its record of implementation of the code. Prior to the deadline, the Maritime Authority ensured that all the vessels on the ship register which are governed by the code were issued with ISSC's and other relevant documents," says Bertrand Smith, legal affairs director of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, the government arm that helps to regulate and monitor ISPS implementation.
Mr. Smith explains that the Port State Control officers of the Maritime Authority have been boarding vessels and carrying out their duties without disrupting maritime traffic or compromising Jamaica's security.
As it relates to local port facilities, already 20 of 22 port facilities have been issued with the relevant statements of compliance and approved by the Port Authority of Jamaica, which now acts as the Designated Authority.
CERTIFICATION DOES NOT EQUATE COMPLIANCE
"Certification of ships and the approval of port facilities does not, however, equate to full compliance. Full compliance requires competent persons to ensure that the plans and measures can be reasonably implemented and in accordance with the internationally accepted standards," emphasises Mr. Smith.
Observing that much time and effort was directed to training of local personnel, Mr. Smith notes that there has to be a commitment at all levels for training and ultimately the full implementation of the Code and the promotion of a security culture.
He adds that customs officers, quarantine officers, stevedores as well as administrators at the highest levels of Government must understand their roles to ensure the full implementation of the code.
"Ship agents must also be fully aware of the code's provision and global developments regarding its implementation as they play a critical role in ensuring that the ships which they represent meet the Code requirements for entry into Jamaican and other ports, thus avoiding unnecessary delays arising from inspections and detentions," he advises.
