ISPS code is a new, comprehensive security regime for International shipping set to enter into force by 1st july, 2004. It speaks about measure to strengthen maritime security to prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against ship and port facility engaged in international trade.

It is risk assessment and risk management tool to determine appropriate security measure. The legal instrument behind this code is the recent amendment of SOLAS by a new chapter titled ‘special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security’ (CHAPTER X1-2). The newly added chapter made mandatory provision for ship, company and port facility to adopt this code.

1. To form an organized team work involving Government security providing agencies such as Navy, Police, Coastguard, Army, Fire Service, Custom, Immigration, Ports, Department of Shipping, DGFI, NSI etc. to safeguard port Facility and Foreign Going ships against security threat and incident. This security team work concepted and accepted universally which is enforced worldwide followed by uniform working policy.
2. To establish security duties of these organizations with accountability which will greatly contribute maritime security.
3. To ensure early and efficient collection and exchange of security related information by mutual cooperation of these organizations and Contracting Government so that an assessment over security situation can be made for port Facility and ship.
4. To guide a system for security assessment so that a security plan can be developed.
5. To ensure adequate security measures according to different security levels.

CPA has adopted ISPS Code well ahead of 1st July, 2004. Strict physical security being maintained as per Port Facility Security Plan approved by Designated Authority. CPA is issued with Statement of Compliance of Port Facility Security certificate on 16th July, 2004. Security information with vessels is exchanged by Port Control station before entering port limit. Ships calling port of Chittagong are requested to pass information's furnished in the form printed below;

Security Information to and from Ship

After the vessel has taken berth or vessel not entering port anchors within port limit, PFSO and SSO signs Declaration of Security (DOS) if both party works with different security level. DOS is a contract between PFSO and SSO agreeing that both parties will carry out security duties towards access control, monitoring restricted area, cargo handling, ship stores, baggage check, cargo transport unit, searching vehicles having lawful business in ship etc. Security duties including adequate protective measures at different Security Levels on above matters is clearly mentioned in the Port Facility Security Plan.

Declaration of Security (Between Ship and Facility)

DA(Designated Authority) Committee

Country wide ISPS implementation in relevant maritime sector of Bangladesh is governed by the DA committee headed by the Director General, Department of Shipping.Other members of the DA committee are upper level officials of Navy, Coast Guard, Police, Customs, Dept of Shipping, Immigration, NSI, DGFI, Chittagong Port and Mongla Port. Central ISPS office is set up in the DG office, Dhaka. Security assessment and Plan of two sea ports and Bangladeshi registered FG vessels is verified and approved by the DA prior being issued with ISPS compliance certificates. Security situation of both sea ports and registered FG vessels monitored with proper intelligence back up. DA sets security levels applicable for each port facility and ship through respective SSO(Ship Security Officer) and CSO(Company Security Officer). The committee convenes bi-monthly meetings so as to make proper appraisal of countrywide maritime security situation.

Security situation of twelve port facility organizations of Chittagong is Monitored by PSC(Port Security Committee).Name of these Port Facility Organizations are as follows;

1. Chottagong Port Authority
2. Karnaphuli Fertilizer Co. Ltd
3. Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Ltd
4. Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd
5. Eastern Refinery Ltd
6. Padma Oil Co Ltd
7. Megna Petroleum Ltd
8. Jamuna Oil Co Ltd
9. TSP Complex Ltd
10. Chittagong Silo
11. Heidelberg Cement Ltd
12. Premier LP Gas Ltd.

ISPS Monitoring Cell is established in Chittagong Port Office from which security situation of these port facilities are monitored. Member (Harbour and Marine) of Chittagong Port is the convener of Port Security Committee. Other members are East Zone Commander of Bangladesh Coast Guard, Deputy Police Commissioner (Port), Deputy Custom Commissioner, Local Head of Fire Service and Civil Defence

Local In charge of Immigration and PFSOs (Port Facility Security Officer) of each of above Port Facility Organizations. Monitoring Cell plays active role of ensuring proper ISPS compliance in these organizations as per respective security plans. Any non-conformity is resolved by mutual discussion and subsequent decisions made in the bi-monthly PSC meetings.