Evaluating the implementation framework of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code in the Republic of Azerbaijan

Abstract

In the aftermath of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks in the USA via air transport vehicles (airplanes), security vulnerabilities also became a major concern for the shipping industry. Reacting rather quickly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) streamlined efforts to respond to the need for a new global legal framework that addresses security risks and establishes mitigation measures to enhance security levels within the extended maritime transport system through the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). Security issues became an inseparable part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) with the incorporation of a new Chapter (XI-2: Special measures to enhance maritime security). The ISPS Code was adopted with the objective of establishing effective international cooperation between contracting governments, governmental agencies, national administrations, shipping companies, and port facilities for identifying, evaluating, and responding to security threats against ships and ports. Azerbaijan’s State Maritime Agency (SMA) is the authorized organization for the implementation of the provisions of SOLAS and the ISPS Code on behalf of the government. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the specific implementation framework of the ISPS Code, including associated regulations and guidelines; it also briefly examined the different security measures within the various port facilities in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This effort was based on 2 different approaches, in which both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used. Data was collected through interviews with person responsible for the security of ships and the port facilities and from a survey of 115 participants directly involved in maritime security, such as seafarers, port facility guards, and port personnel, as well as visitors. Overall, the implementation of the ISPS Code in Azerbaijan has been successful, and the security level has been maintained at a high level; however, there are some areas in need of improvement.