International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPS) 

As a follow-up on the terroraction in USA on the 11th of September 2001, the United Nations ”International Maritime Organisation” IMO in december 2002 decided on a number of actions to be taken to prevent, that the shipping-circles and port-facilities could be used in connexion with international terrorism.

Among the new initiatives were the implementation of security-alarms on the ships, security-levels and restricted entrance. The new code was named ”International Ship and Port Facility Code” – the ISPS Code. These international provisions have later been added with the EU’s Regulation about better securing of ships and port facilities.

Information about the security-level in foreign ports can most likely be provided from the local authorities or from the ships agent in the concerned port.

Further information about security-level, schedules, provisions etc. is present on www.maritimsikring.dk and www.helcom.dk

Which categories of ships will be covered:

Cargo ships and mobile drilling-units with a tonnage above 500 and all passenger ships (only ships sailing in international waters). The ISPS-area is serviced and certified by either the Danish Maritime Authority or one of the recognised class-organisations.

If further information is needed, contact cfs@dma.dk

Read more about ISPS in Regeldatabasen. Find it here: