Frequently asked questions regarding ISPS

The following ships engaged in international voyages are subject to inspection under the ISPS Code:

• Passenger ships, including high-speed crafts (HSC)
• Cargo ships, including HSC, of 500 gross tonnage and above
• Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)

In Denmark, the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) is implemented through a series of laws and regulations governing the security of shipping and port facilities. The following laws and regulations are central to ISPS in Danish maritime operations:

1. Bekendtgørelse af lov om sikkerhed til søs - This act contains general provisions on safety at sea, including requirements for ship and crew safety: Bekendtgørelse af lov om sikkerhed til søs

2. Bekendtgørelse om bedre sikring af skibe i indenlandsk fart - This regulation establishes safety rules for passenger and cargo ships in Danish domestic traffic. It implements the EU regulation on the security of ships and port facilities and requires that passenger ships in national traffic and ships subject to the ISM Code have procedures to assess and address security threats.: Bekendtgørelse om bedre sikring af skibe i indenlandsk fart

3. This regulation sets training and education requirements in maritime security for ship crews, in accordance with STCW Convention regulations VI/5 and VI/6: Bekendtgørelse om uddannelse i maritim sikring af skibe

4. Special measures to enhance maritime security: SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code

5. Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security (Text with EEA relevance): Europa-Parlamentets og Rådets forordning nr. 725/2004

You can read about the approval of security plans (SSA and SSP) here:

Ship Security Assessment (SSA) og Ship Security Plan (SSP)

Security Level 1 (Normal)

• The level at which a minimum of appropriate protective measures is maintained at all times.
• Regular monitoring, access control, and patrolling are conducted to deter and detect security threats. This level requires that all basic security procedures are in operation.
• Purpose: To protect ships and port facilities from low-risk incidents under normal operating conditions.

Security Level 2 (Heightened)

• The level at which additional protective measures are maintained over a period in response to an increased risk of a security incident.
• Increased monitoring and control of access points, enhanced patrolling, and more frequent security inspections. Personnel may be assigned additional tasks to ensure that heightened security measures are effective.

Security Level 3 (Exceptional)

• The level at which specific protective measures are maintained for a limited period when a security incident is likely or imminent.
• Maximum security measures are implemented, including full control of access, total monitoring, evacuation of non-essential personnel, and close cooperation with national and international security authorities. Activation of emergency security procedures and contingency plans.

All ISPS-certified ships wishing to call at a European port must submit pre-arrival security information. This information must include the standard details specified in IMO's guidance 'Security-related information as required under SOLAS regulation XI-2/9.2.2' (MSC.1/Circ.1305).

Ships can report directly to SafeSeaNet or indirectly via their broker or agent. Ports and port facilities do not participate in this process.

The Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority monitors the pre-arrival security information of ships and will act if necessary based on the received information.

The required information must be submitted to SafeSeaNet:

• At least 24 hours in advance,
• Or as soon as the ship departs from the previous port if the journey is less than 24 hours,
• Or if the port of call is unknown or changes during the journey, as soon as the port of call is known.

You can read more about SafeSeaNet on the Danish Defence's website: SafeSeaNet (SSN).

If you wish to apply for an exemption from pre-arrival information, please refer to the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority website: Ansøgning om fritagelse for før-ankomst information  

The responsibility for implementing maritime security regulations in Denmark is shared between the Danish Maritime Authority and the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. Additionally, several other authorities have specific tasks related to maritime security.

The Danish Transport Authority administers the regulations concerning port facilities and ports, while the Danish Maritime Authority administers the regulations concerning ships.

Yes, the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and the Company Security Officer (CSO) must comply with the training requirements described in Part A of the ISPS Code, section 13, with due regard to Part B, section 13, as well as the IMO model courses for these officers. Documentation for this, with proper references to the ISPS Code and IMO model courses, must be available for presentation.