Ship security

The maritime community has a series of special measures to enhance maritime security. These are contained in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code.

This guide explains how maritime security is managed in the UK, how security measures are applied and how you should comply with them. It also provides guidance on how to deal with stowaways and deter acts of violence against merchant ships, such as piracy and armed robbery.

You can find guidance and information on maritime security training. It also explains how Ship Identification Numbers (SINs) and Continuous Synopsis Records (CSRs) work.

The Audit and Verification Operations branch is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and co-ordinates a series of special measures to ensure security in the maritime community.

The branch provides technical advice and guidance to make sure that SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code are consistently applied and maintained.

The Department for Transport and the Audit and Verification Operations branch

Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for security across all forms of transport, including maritime.

As policy leaders and advisers, DfT implements measures in UK ports that security arrangements meet UK standards.

The ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of measures designed to strengthen the security of ships and port facilities.