The Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code, 2021 Edition is the International Maritime Organization's companion to SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It brings IMO's maritime security material together in one readable guide, to help governments, port facilities, companies and ships put the security rules into practice.

Edition at a glance

What it covers

• The security duties of governments and their designated authorities under SOLAS chapter XI-2
• Port facility security: assessments, plans and port facility security officers
• Ship security: assessments, plans, ship security officers and alert systems
• The role of the company security officer
• Guidance approved by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee on drafting maritime security legislation
• Maritime cyber risk management
• Updated sources of further information

How it supports the ISPS Code

The ISPS Code has been mandatory under SOLAS chapter XI-2 since 1 July 2004. This Guide doesn't replace the Code. It explains how to implement, verify, comply with and enforce it, and it's written as a reference for maritime security capacity-building as well.

Who uses it

Maritime administrations and designated authorities, port facility, company and ship security officers, auditors, and trainers who deliver maritime security courses.