§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress towards implementation of the International Shipping and Ports Security Code in the United Kingdom. [176038]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe UK is making good progress towards implementation of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and there is every expectation that all UK flagged ship and port facilities that submit acceptable security plans by the deadlines set, will be ISPS compliant by the 1 July 2004 deadline.
§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will amend Marine Guidance Note MGN 214(m)to take account of the enforcement of the International Ship and Port Security Code. [174609]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere are no plans to amend MGN 214, which relates to certificates of competency for radio operators, because it is not effected by the introduction of the ISPS Code.
However, MGN 241 regarding advice on piracy to UK seafarers will be amended to reflect the ISPS Code, although the scope of revision has not as yet been determined. It is hoped that the ISPS Code will have both a positive impact on improving the maritime industry's resilience to terrorist action and have a secondary benefit of helping to reduce piracy. This is because it will generate increased security awareness and tighten security procedures, both on ships and in ports.