HC Deb 31 March 2004 vol 419 cc1409-10W
Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what new security measures have been introduced by(a) Government and (b) Transec on (i) British ports and (ii) British ships in preparation for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code; [163584]

(2) how Transec has been working to prepare (a) ports and (b) United Kingdom flagged ships for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code on 1 July; [163585]

(3) if he will make a statement on the preparedness of British (a) ships and (b) ports for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. [163623]

Mr. Jamieson

The Department for Transport's Transport Security Directorate (TRANSEC) in conjunction with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are responsible for introducing the ISPS Code requirements. Operationally TRANSEC is responsible for UK ports and passenger shipping, and MCA is responsible for non-passenger shipping, under a policy framework set by TRANSEC.

The UK has developed five port facility Protection Categories, based on traffic type, such as Passenger, Container Ro-Ro, Other Bulk Cargo, and has developed category specific security measures which are designed to reduce any existing vulnerabilities at these port facilities.

All of the major UK ports including the passenger operations have been assessed and Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) Reports have been prepared. Along with the individual PFSA reports, industry has been provided with category specific Port Facility Security Instructions and Security Standards. These will form the basis of their Port Facility Security Plans. A Port Facility Security Plan template has also been made available to assist companies prepare their plans, which are then submitted for approval.

Clear guidelines and deadlines have been issued to industry to submit their Ship Security Plans to TRANSEC for passenger ships, and the MCA for non-passenger ships, for examination and approval. Once a plan has been approved, it must be verified on board the ship prior to issuing an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC).

It is up to individual port facilities and flag vessels to comply with the programme for submission we have set out. TRANSEC and MCA staff are already approving Port Facility Security Plans and issuing International Ship Security Certificates and the Government expect all UK port facilities and flagged ships will comply with the required ISPS standards by the deadline.