DNV realised that security within the shipping industry would be regulated following the attack on the USS Cole. The necessary steps have since then been taken by DNV to prepare for the new situation.
Following the September 11 attacks, the IMO immediately started to look at maritime security. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, expected to be adopted by IMO in December 2002, will be a statutory regulation. A class society can therefore only be involved in the certification process if authorised by a flag administration.
DNV is committed to helping its customers deal with the new code. For the past two years extensive research and pilot studies have been conducted to prepare. With over 56,000 vessels and 20,000 port facilities to be incorporated under the code, it is important that the new requirements for shipping are made as practical as possible, to avoid stopping the flow of trade at the same time as increasing the security level.
It is expected that the certification process can be delegated to a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO), which needs to have the capability to deal with security information. DNV cannot apply for delegation without having appropriate security clearance, which implies knowledge of security and antiterrorism matters. To obtain such knowledge DNV has for the past two years worked closely with the competent staff of Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants to train dedicated security surveyors and auditors. An application for statutory delegation as an RSO has been sent to all flag administrations on behalf of which DNV acts.
We recommend shipowners to apply for an initial audit of their security plan as soon as it is developed. It is important to identify the necessary improvements of existing plans as soon as possible, and effectively follow the certification process.
A large number of vessels have to be certified and there are just a few recognised organisations prepared to take care of the process. The consequences of a ship having outstanding matters to be implemented within a short time are too high a risk to take.