Referring to ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0497 on the summary of measures against maritime terrorism, please find the developments thereafter, given hereunder.

1. The text of the SOLAS Convention and ISPS Code
The text of the amendments to the SOLAS Convention on maritime security adopted in December 2002 (SOLAS Conference Resolution No. 1) and the text of the ISPS Code (The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) are available on ClassNK's web-site (URL: www.classnk.or.jp) until 17 May 2003. (After 17 May 2003, ClassNK is intending to develop a website concerning maritime security issue on which the texts will be available.)

2. Current discussions on the details of the requirements of the ISPS Code
(1) Training of personnel
The ISPS Code stipulates training requirements for Company Security Officers and Ship Security Officers. (ISPS Code Part A Section 13 and Part B Paragraph 13) For these requirements, model training courses will be developed by the IMO's STW Sub-Committee. The next session of the Sub-Committee is scheduled for late February, therefore, some outcomes are expected, and will be submitted to the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee at its seventy-seventh session (MSC77), scheduled in May 2003.
(2) A performance standard for equipment
A performance standard for Ship Security Alert Systems was adopted as resolution MSC 136(76) last December. The IMO's COMSAR Sub-Committee meeting held in January 2003 developed a minor amendment to the resolution and a guidance providing interpretations of the resolution. These outcome are expected to be approved as final products by MSC 77.
(3) Progress in IACS (International Association of Classification Societies)
In order to carry out verification and certification in a uniform manner, IACS activated an expert working group to develop procedural requirements for ISPS Code Certification, procedures for training and qualification of maritime security auditors and guidance on the ISPS code for maritime security auditors, which are to be submitted to MSC 77.

(To be continued)
3. Implementation schedule of ClassNK
ClassNK has initiated negotiations with foreign flag Administrations in order to be authorised as an RSO (Recognised Security Organization) carrying out verification and certification of ships in accordance with the ISPS code on their behalf. Assuming such authorisation is granted, ClassNK is intending to start approval of Ship Security Plans and is intending to start field verifications of ships from July 2003.

The number of ships subject to mandatory application of the code is estimated as 25,000 world wide. In the near future, it is expected that guidelines for implementation of the code will be publicised by various organizations. At present, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association has prepared Guidelines for performing Ship Security Assessment for shipowners' convenience. The USCG has also prepared guidelines based on their national legislation (Maritime Transportation Security Act 2002). For the texts of these guidelines, please refer to the respective websites. (For "Guideline for performing Ship Security Assessment" prepared by the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, http://www.rederi.no/Article.asp?ArticleID=3096､and for Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 10-02 "Security Guidelines for Vessels" prepared by USCG, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nvic/10-02.pdf.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON