By : Nouhed Chine
Port Security Expert
In the third and final part of the article, “20 years of the ISPS Code, a milestone in global maritime security ” the writer the writer reviews some of the methods that can be used to train security personal
Continuous and advanced training
Start with awareness: organize introductory sessions on the ISPS Code and the basics of risk management and security responsibilities for port workers.
Deepen knowledge with specialized programs: Provide advanced courses on topics such as incident response, maritime cybersecurity, and dangerous goods inspection that are regularly updated to keep up with evolving threats and technologies.
Integrate theory with practice.
– Providing solid theoretical lessons: includes analysis of case studies, risk assessment, and mastery of regulatory protocols.
– Practical application in ports: allow workers to train in realistic environments by simulating incidents such as handling suspicious packages or infiltration attempts.
– Adopting Modern Technologies: integrating virtual and augmented reality to simulate complex scenarios and emergency situations, combined with the use of artificial intelligence for data analysis, enabling swift and effective real-time responses.
Regular and frequent assessments
– Regular skill reviews: measuring the extent to which workers have internalized knowledge and practices through tests and real-life situations.
– Immediate feedback: provide personalized recommendations for each individual to close identified gaps.
– Repetition to reinforce skills: implement frequent assessments to reinforce feedback and key skills.
Follow-up and progressive certifications
– Create certification levels based on acquired skills (e.g., basic, intermediate, expert).
– Provide opportunities for ongoing professional development, including moving into leadership or coaching roles.
Developing the interpersonal skills
Lessons learned have shown that developing soft skills is fundamental to improving responsiveness and reactivity during emergencies.
Effective communication ensures that information is shared quickly, while leadership helps guide teams under pressure.
Emotional intelligence allows individuals to remain calm, make better decisions, and respond immediately. Together, these skills enable port personnel to react promptly to incidents, coordinate actions efficiently, and minimize risk in critical situations..
Strengthening the teamwork
In the context of implementing the ISPS Code, building teamwork among port personnel is one of the most important factors to ensure the success of the security strategy. It requires not only developing the skills of individuals but also fostering cooperation between different teams within the port, including security officials, emergency teams, customs, and port operators.
Joint training
Through joint training and field exercises, individuals can improve their coordination and interact more effectively while dealing with security threats. Enhanced cooperation between teams and a unified working environment help improve rapid and effective response when a security incident occurs, raising the level of security in ports and minimizing risks.
Cross-agency cooperation:
The ISPS Code is a collective responsibility; its success depends on cooperation, coordination, and continuous sharing of information about risks.
Its effective implementation requires active cooperation between different stakeholders in the maritime sector, including port authorities, operators, security authorities, and private companies.
Exchange of information on risks
The timely and transparent exchange of information on security threats and vulnerabilities is essential to ensure a rapid and appropriate response to potential incidents.
This includes a continuous exchange of information on risks, allowing for real-time adjustment of security strategies and improved preparedness for evolving threats. Collaboration between different agencies and the establishment of common risk management protocols are also key factors in enhancing the effectiveness of the ISPS Code.
Building a global data network for maritime & port security
Due to the lack of global maritime and port security information and statistics, it is recommended that an universal information system to be established to collect and analyze the necessary data on port security incidents statistics, categorized by countries, regions, continents and other relevant criteria.
Best practices in maritime and port security
The platform would also serve as an information hub for best practices in maritime and port security as well as lessons learned from incidents, presented as case studies.
Such a dynamic platform would enable to:
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Identify gaps and deficiencies in current systems.
Provide official, reliable data as a basis for academic research and industry development.
Encourage the sharing of experiences and innovative solutions to enhance maritime and port security worldwide.
Many approaches can be proposed in this context to facilitate and encourage governments, authorities, and operators to participate in this challenging project.
Conclusion
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, established by the International Maritime Organization, IMO aims to ensure the security of crews, cargo, vessels, and port facilities in a global context marked by unavoidable political tensions and a critical need for maritime transport services. Consequently, the responsibility of Member States to comply with the Code’s requirements is significant. Over the two decades since its entry into force, the Code has seen remarkable progress but has also faced numerous challenges and obstacles.
The successful implementation of the Code
The successful implementation of the Code fundamentally relies on the establishment of a clear, adaptable, and progressive regulatory and procedural mechanism that involves all stakeholders in maritime and port security. This mechanism must encompass the enforcement of security regulations, their effective application, and the monitoring of compliance while ensuring the presence of a comprehensive institutional framework defining all roles required for the Code’s implementation.
Three stages
These three stages must align with international instruments and local legislative systems to ensure adherence to the Code and the penalization of violations.
Moreover, collaboration among local, regional, and international actors is crucial to overcoming challenges in the Code’s application and ensuring its uniform and effective implementation.
Related :
Nouhed Chine writes : 20 years of the ISPS Code ( 1 – 3 )
