The security levels
The ISPS Code is based on three security levels. When there is a heightened risk of a security incident, the security level is raised. Ships and terminals are then required to take extra protective security measures.

Security levels are set by the government. In the case of ocean-going ships, the level is set by the flag state. In the terminals, this is set by the government of the country in question. The present ISPS security level is shown on the homepage of the section Maritime.

ISPS –Code: international standard for security
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the ISPS Code in December 2002.
This code is an international standard for improving the security of ocean-going vessels and port facilities. The protective security measures were incorporated into a European Regulation on 1 July 2004.
As a consequence companies operating a terminal or a loading / unloading wharf are obliged to draw up a security plan, based on a risk analysis. The plan will be evaluated by a team of experts drawn from the police, customs, and Rotterdam Port Authority. It will then be presented to the mayor of the port municipality in question, for approval. A security plan is also mandatory for ocean-going vessels.

Who has to comply with the ISPS Code?
The ISPS Code does not apply to all shipping. It applies to:

• passenger ships which sail the international sea lanes;
• mobile drilling rigs;
• all terminals at which the above-mentioned vessels moor. The ISPS Code refers to terminals as 'port facilities'.

Toolkit
The Port Security Toolkit is an electronic resource for drawing up risk analyses and security plans.
For more details visit: www.portsecuritytoolkit.com
 
Notification
The agents of ships covered by the ISPS Code are required to supply the following details 24 hours in advance:

• the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC);
• the name of the body which granted the ISSC;
• the ship's current security level;
• whether the ship is capable of maintaining all protective security measures at each security level; 
• the following information about the previous ten ports visited:
  • the name of the port and the dates of the ship's visit;
  • the security level being maintained;
  • any further details concerning this visit and port security. 

Responsibilities

• The ‘Ship Security Officer (SSO)’ is responsible for security on board a ship;
• The ‘Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)’ is responsible for security at a terminal.
  Click here for an overview of the PFSOs in Rotterdam. If a PFSO is unavailable, you can contact the ‘Port Security Officer’;
• The ‘Port Security Officer (PSO)’ is responsible for security throughout the port. In Rotterdam, this is the Harbour Master.
  

Reporting to Port Facilities
The Rotterdam port area has about 140 port facilities, each with its own Port Facility Security Officer. The Port Security Officer, who is also the Harbour Master, notifies the Port Facility Security Officer as necessary regarding specific details of the security situation of a calling ship.
A list of ISPS-compliant port facilities and Port Facility Security Officers can be found here (PDF).

Reporting embarking and disembarking crew, visitors
Embarking and disembarking crew and visitors should be reported to the Port Facility Security Officer of the port facility called at.
 
Reporting stores and bunkers
Stores and bunkers over land should be reported to the Port Facility Security Officer of the port facility called at.See contact information and IMO registration list of terminals. Bunkers that arrive in barges do not need to be reported. This is a security matter between the barge and the ship.
A list of Port Facility Security Officers can be found here (PDF).

Contact 
The Port Security Officer can be contacted about operational matters via the
Harbour Coordination Center:
Tel: +31 10 252 1000 or VHF: 19
E-mail:  hcc@portofrotterdam.com