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ANNEX
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION ON PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR A SHIP
SECURITY ALARM INSTALLATION
Introduction
The ship security alarm is system fitted to a ship for the purpose of transmitting a security alert to the shore to indicate to a competent authority that the security of the ship is under threat or has been compromised. It comprises a minimum of two activation points, one of which is fitted on the navigation bridge. These initiate the transmission of a ship security alert by being interfaced to radio communication equipment. The system is intended to allow a covert activation to be made which alerts the competent authority ashore and does not raise an alarm on board ship or alert other ships.
General
In addition to complying with the general requirements set out in assembly resolution A.694(17) the ship security alarm should comply with the following performance standards.
Power supply
The ship security alarm should be powered from the ship's main source of electrical energy. In addition it should be possible to operate the ships security alarm from an alternative source of electrical energy.
Activation Points
Fixed activation points should be a single dedicated control protected against inadvertent operation. It should not be necessary for the user to remove seals or to break any lid or cover in order to operate the control.
The size of the activation point should be such that it is possible to operate the activation point covertly and it should also be possible to operate the activation point with one hand.
Interfaces
The activation points should be capable of being connected to radio systems such that transmission of the security alert does not require any adjustment of the radio systems i.e. tuning of channels or setting of modes or menu options. Operation of the activation point should not cause any alarm or indication to be raised on the ship.
Transmission Systems
The following radio systems may be used with the ships security alarm:
Inmarsat C
Compliance with Resolution A.807(19) as amended by Resolution MSC.68(68) Annex 4. The transmitted signal should be at distress priority and include "piracy/armed attack" as the reason for the alert.
Discreet Surveillance and Alarm Systems (DSAS)
A discreet alarm system not forming part of the ship's main GMDSS installation, but which uses the GMDSS infrastructure. Such a discreet system could survive and continue to operate even if all GMDSS equipment is disabled. This capability has not been defined but commercial examples exist.
EPIRB -406MHz
Compliance with Resolution A.810(19). The transmitted signal should include the type of distress indicator "piracy/armed attack" as the reason for the alert. Note: This capability does not yet exist and will have to be defined and developed.
EPIRB - Inmarsat E
Compliance with Resolution A.812(19). The transmitted signal should include the type of distress indicator "piracy/armed attack" as the reason for the alert. Note: This capability has been defined but has not yet been implemented.
Security Beacon
Using existing EPIRB infrastructure - either 406 MHz or Inmarsat E/E+. This is a new equipment to be developed.
MF/HF DSC
Compliance with Resolution A.806(19) as amended by Resolution MSC.68(68) Annex 3. The transmitted signal should be an individual call to a coast station with category Distress and Type of Distress "Piracy/armed attack"
VHF DSC
Compliance with Resolution A.803(19) as amended by Resolution MSC.68(68) Annex 1. The transmitted signal should be an individual call to a coast station with category Distress and Type of Distress "Piracy/armed attack"
Security Alert
The Security Alert should continue to repeat in accordance with the relevant radio installation performance standard until acknowledged or deactivated and reset by authorised shipboard personnel.
Testing
The ship security alarm should be capable of being tested.
ANNEX 7
DRAFT LETTER FROM IMO TO WCO ON CONTAINER SECURITY
Following the terrible events of 11 September, the US Government has proposed a number of measures to tackle the possibility of using closed Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) to carry weapons of terrorism. These proposals were discussed at the seventy-fifth meeting of the International Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee and I was instructed to write to you regarding the security of CTUs moved both by se and land.
IMO will be playing its part in taking forward action on ship and port security but considers that the WCO has a vital role to play in developing a comprehensive CTUs security system. Customs administrations worldwide have a long history of controlling CTUs, in conjunction with other national and inter-national law enforcement agencies and relevant trade bodies and are ideally placed to contribute to this security initiative.
During our discussions on the US security initiative members of IMO suggested that it would be helpful if the following issues could be addressed by the WCO:
- comprehensive data exchange between all parties concerned with the movement of CTUs including use of EDI;
- effective procedures for exchange of data between customs authorities and between customs authorities and other government agencies;
- establishing criteria to identify high risk movements;
- pre-screening of high risk movements before shipment;
- extending use of modern technology to screen and secure CTUs;
- establishing or enhancing existing business/government agreements to work together on security issues;
- establishing control criteria for "empty" CTUs;
- consider value of "trusted agents and shippers";
- the balance between mandatory and voluntary measures; and
- the balance between ensuring the smooth flow of CTUs while recognizing the need for increased security.
We recognize that not all of these issues can be addressed immediately, some will be longer term, but we would welcome your suggestions on measures that can be taken in the short term and a possible time frame for implementation. We would also welcome your thoughts for the longer term including any measures that you consider are appropriate to the IMO or another international body.
You may also consider it appropriate to include the security issues involving the movement of non-containerized cargo in your review.
We will keep you informed of security measures adopted by the IMO including amendments to IMO security procedures in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. IMO would also welcome the opportunity to contribute to your discussions and any pilot operations if you consider that would be helpful.
We propose to discuss security issues at our December Diplomatic Conference and would be grateful if you could provide an update on action taken before then.
If IMO can be of any assistance to your future deliberations, please let me know.
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