ITDA respect the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, which includes provisions adopted to address maritime security matters. Within SOLAS's chapter XI-2 on Special Measures to enhance maritime security is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which is a mandatory instrument for all countries Party to the Convention. The aim of the ISPS Code is to ensure that the applicable ocean going ships and port facilities of IMO Member States are implementing the highest possible standards of security.
Divided into two sections, the ISPS code contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies in mandatory Part A, and a series of guidelines on how to meet those requirements in a non-mandatory Part B.
The ITDA, through our experts and experience, conducts various national and regional activities, to ensure that the ISPS Code is implemented effectively by Member States. Such activities are available to Member States if and when required.
Cyber security
Currently in relation to the topicality of implementation of Single Window in the Member states ITDA address its efforts to the issue of cyber security, which has the potential to do considerable harm to the overall security of the Maritime Industry. Together with our experts we are working collaboratively in the development of voluntary guidelines on adequate anti-cyber security practices, which may be used to protect and enhance the resilience of cyber systems supporting the operations of ports, vessels, marine facilities and other elements of the maritime transportation system. The ITDA also seeks to work in consultation with interested parties of the Maritime Industry and other relevant European and International organizations.
ITDA also concerns work related to different additional topics as Stowaways, Drug smuggling and Piracy and armed robbery against ships etc.