ISPS Implementation: IMO Notes Continued Improvement

The latest ISPS Code implementation figures show a steady improvement, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios Mitropoulos said on Friday (25 June).

“The figures released today indicate that both the number of ship security plans submitted and International Ship Security Certificates issued are increasing as we approach the home strait to 1 July 2004,” Mr. Mitropoulos said. “The proportion of port facility plans approved – while still low – is also increasing. I trust that this trend will continue so that, at least, those port facilities handling the majority of world trade will be compliant by the entry into force deadline.”

“I am also encouraged by the fact that information provided by the industry organizations indicates that certain particularly vulnerable categories of ships – including passenger ships and tankers – are showing a high rate of compliance,” he added.

Mr. Mitropoulos once again urged SOLAS Contracting Governments, which have not yet done so, not to spare any effort in implementing the measures as soon as possible.