VIRSEC Cargo Ship Security Instructions (CSSI) Module 3

It is important that a ship can demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code through the provision of an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), or in circumstances where there is an obvious security failing; otherwise, difficulties may be experienced at ports of call-in relation to the Port State Control Authorities. For this reason, this course is intended to align UK flagged cargo ships with the UK Department for Transport Maritime Security (formerly TRANSEC) with UK flagged passenger ships and port facilities, and to help in the generation of practical and sustainable regimes that balance the security of the ship with the wellbeing of the crew.

The course conforms to CSSI guidelines provided by the UK Department for Transport Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which specifies the baseline protective security measures to be taken by ships at all ports around the world and at each of the Security Levels, and aims to ensure consistent, proportionate, and practical measures are in place.

The UK Department for Transport (formerly TRANSEC) and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have responsibility to ensure the safety of port facility and cargo/freight & passenger ship security, within a policy framework demanded by international maritime legislation and codes outlined in SOLAS Chapter X1-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

This applies to the following types of ships engaged on international voyages:

• Passenger ships, including high-speed craft.

• Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards.

• Mobile offshore drilling units as defined in Regulation XI-2/1.1.5. (SOLAS)