To whom it may concern
The USCG has issued a PSC programme concerning security related matters as NVIC (Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular) No. 06-03 on 15 December 2003. Subsequently, this circular has been revised on 5 May 2004. The circular contains ISPS Code Exam Booklet to be used for foreign vessels by PSC officials. ClassNK summarized this booklet as a checklist attached herewith. The Society should be grateful if you could utilize this checklist as self-checklist prior to entry into a harbour of the United States as well as other places.

1. Checklist No. 1 (Security Practice) is to be used for inspecting ship's security measures and equipment as well as documents.

2. Checklist No.2 (Expanded Examination) is to be used for an "Expanded examination" to be conducted when there is a clear ground found during PSC inspection indicating non-compliance with the requirement. Item 1 is examination of the ship security plan, and item 2 is to review SSP after obtaining consent of the master or the flag Administration for such review of SSP concerning non-compliance. Further, as item 3, a drill may be carried out as part of expanded examination to demonstrate the performance on the spot.

3. Checklist No. 3 (Sample Security Question) is a sample to be used for interviews in order to examine the training and familiarisation to the procedure of the crewmembers including Ship Security Officer. Please note that parts printed in thick letters/underlines requires permission of flag Administration for reviewing SSP.

The above mentioned checklist is available at the ClassNK's web-site as well (in "Gateway to Maritime Security" under "News") at (http://sms.classnk.or.jp/ispshp/html/Japanese/news_j.htm)

(To be continued)