Sea Malta hard pressed to adopt security code

Sea Malta did not realistically believe it would be able to comply with an international code dealing with the detection of security threats by the deadline of July 1 next year because of the sheer speed with which this code had developed as a process, Sea Malta chairman Marlene Mizzi said.

"This concern is not only Sea Malta's but is also one that is being voiced by most shipping organisations which will be faced with the challenging task of complying with the ISPS code in a relatively very short time frame."

Mrs Mizzi was speaking during half-day briefing seminar on the ISPS code and its practical implementation, held at Sea Malta's head office in collaboration with the Malta Maritime Authority and Bureau Veritas.

The ISPS code enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework, establishes roles and responsibilities, enables the collection and exchange of security information and provides a methodology for assessing security.

Mrs Mizzi said the ISPS code was a rapid response to the tragic outcome of the September 11 events when many organisations and institutions suddenly became surprised at the relative ease with which terrorist activity could take place in what otherwise were traditionally deemed as secure environments.

Following these events, the maritime industry realised that lapses in its security measures could now well serve as an alternative gateway to terrorist and other illegal activity.

In December, 2001, an ISPS code was finalised by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and consequently approved by an IMO diplomatic conference.

"This effectively means that we have just under a year to adopt and apply this code within our systems," she said.