Circulars issued by Flag States

General

As the ISPS Code requires Contracting Governments to make active responses in implementing the requirements, e.g, to specify/determine the details of the requirements given in the code, it is expected that there will be a number of special requirements depending upon each legislation Contracting Governments develop. However, at present, since there are only a few months since the adoption of the international requirements, national the details of national legislation which incorporates and enacts internal requirements are yet to be know. Nevertheless, it may worth to note that he following States has developed national legislation even before the adoption of the international scheme.

Bahamas

Belgium

2011/001 (0.1) 2 Sept. 2011 Minimum Safe Manning
2011/002 2 Sept. 2011 Amendments to the Ship Security Plan (SSP)
2004/001 (1.1) 18 Jun. 2010 ISPS Code: Continuous Synopsis Record
2004/002 (2.3) 15 Feb. 2011 ISPS - Flagstate interpretations and procedures
2004/005 (1.2) 1 Dec. 2010 ISPS Code: Continuous Synopsis Record
2005/002 (1.1) 18 Jun. 2010 Port State Control reporting
2005/004 (1.2) 1 Dec. 2010 ISPS - Flagstate procedures
2008/002 (2.4) 1 Apr. 2011 Notification of incidents to the flagstate
2010/002 (1.1) 1 Dec. 2010 Clarification to our circulars concerning the Continuous Synopsis Record
2010/005 (2.0) 1 Dec. 2010 ISM and ISPS - Flagstate Procedures

Belize

Canada

  (Reference) 

1998/05/30 Memorandum of Understanding - Cruise Ship Security
1997/08/01 Cruise Ship and Cruise Ship Facility Security Measures
1997/5/20 Marine Transportation Security Act

Cayman Islands

Cyprus

07/04/2011 No.14 Directory of Services and Contact Persons of the Department of Merchant Shipping
2009/12/21 No.30 Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) for Cyprus flag vessels
2009/09/22 No.20 Piracy off the coast of Somalia and East Africa- New York Declaration
2009/05/22 No.10 Piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia- UN Security Council Resolutions 1816(2008), 1838 (2008), 1846 (2008) and 1851 (2008)- European Union relevant measures
2009/02/12 No.5 Implementation of IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme (resolution MSC.160 (78)) and CSR documents
2009/02/12 No.4 Revised Maritime Security Instructions on Piracy and Response to SSAS
2008/07/07 No.11 Implementation of IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme (resolution MSC.160 (78))
2007/08/17 No.19 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, STCW 78, as amended- Amendments ''Ship Security Officer Training and Certification''
2006/10/20 No.22 Monitoring the application of Regulation (EC) 725/2005 and ISPS code by Cyprus flag ships
2006/03/09 No.6 Revised instructions for Ships under Cyprus Flag
2006/03/07 No.5 Maritime Security and Ship Pre Arrival Notification applicable in ports of the Republic of Cyprus
2005/11/28 No.35

Consolidated and translated into English version of the International Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (Ratification) and for Matters Connected Therewith Laws of 1985 to 2004 - ISPS Code National Provisions

2005/11/07 No.34 Change of the contact point dedicated to receive ship-to-shore security alerts initiated by a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
2004/06/04 No.29 Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security Continuous Synopsis Record(CSR)
2003/12/11 No.18 Implementation of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended and the ISPS Code Preliminary delegation of authority to Recognized Security Organizations Standardised form for communicating the name and contact details of the CSO and of the alternate CSO and any changes relating thereto
2003/11/03 No.17 Implementation of Chapter X1-2 of Solas 74 as amended and the ISPS Code - Training of Ships Security Officers and alternate ship security officers.
2003/10/02 No.14 Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security
    Attachment A: Guidance relating to the implementation of solas chapter X1-2 and the ISPS code
    Attachment B: Guidance on provision of Ship Security alert systems
    Attachment C: Adoption of the revised performance standards for a Ship Security alert systems
    Attachment D: Who prepared the Ship Security Assessment?

Georgia

  (Reference) 

Circ. GMTA No. 5/05.04.04 PROCEDURE

Hong Kong

Marine Department Notice / Information Notice / MSO Shipping Ordinance / Security and Quality Advisory

31 May 2004 No.76 Publication of Maritime Security Levels
24 Jun. 2004 No.89 Port Operation Procedures for the Implementation of the ISPS Code
26 Jun. 2004 No.91 Access to Ships and Port Facilities
2 Feb. 2005 3/2005 Guidelines relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ISPS Code
7 Feb. 2005 4/2005 Guidelines to Masters, Companies and Duly Authorized Officers on the Requirements relating to the Submission of Security-related Information prior to the Entry of a Ship into Port
30 Jun. 2005 22/2005 Guidance on the Access of Public Authorities, Emergency Response Services and Pilots on Board Ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code Apply
14 Jul. 2006 44/2006 Guidance on the Provisions of Information for Identifying Ships when Transmitting Ship Security Alerts
6 Jun. 2007 Notice   Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
19 Mar. 2008 15/2008 Implementation of IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme
16 Jun. 2009     Issue of Certificates of Proficiency (CoPs) as Ship Security Officer (SSO)
30 Jul. 2009 15/2009 Prevention and Suppression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
  2/2010 Certificates of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer
  2012 Cerficicates of Proficiency for Ship Security Officers Determinations
14 Jan. 2010 2/2010 Certificates of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer
8 Aug. 2011 33/2011 Registration with the MSCHOA and Report to UKMTO
20 Dec. 2011 No.23 Establishment of Quality Assurance System in the Ship Management Company
30 Jan. 2012 3/2012 Certificates of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer

Isle of Man

Liberia

...Marine Safety Advisory / ...Marine Notice

02/2011 RAISING TO SECURITY LEVEL II - FOR VESSELS TRANSITING THE SOUTHERN RED SEA, GULF of ADEN, INDIAN OCEAN and ARABIAN SEA
01/2011 PARIS MOU NEW INSPECTION REGIME AND INCLUSION OF ADMINISTRATION ON VESSEL ADVANCE NOTICE OF ARRIVAL FOR EU PORTS
02/2010 SHIP SECURITY REPORTING SYSTEM (SSRS)
01/2010 U.S. Coast Guard Revises Security Advisory Regarding Ports Not Maintaining Effective Anti-Terrorism Measures.
09/2009 Anti-Piracy Distress Calling, Emergency Contact Information and Reporting Procedures for Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea& Northern Indian Ocean
ISP-002 9/09 Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR).
08/2009

Raising to Security Level II - for vessels transiting off the East coast of Africa, East Coast of Oman, Seychelles and the Southern Red Sea

(Check list)

''ANTI PIRACY CHECKLIST GULF OF ADEN and the INDIAN OCEAN''

07/2009 Enhanced Security Measures - for vessels transiting the Malacca Straits, the Waters off Mangkai & the Anambas Islands in the South China Sea and operating in the Coastal Waters of Indonesia.
06/2009 Enhanced Security Measures - For vessels waiting off the coast of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
ISP-001 05/09 International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS code)
04/2009 Piracy Spreads to the Red Sea
03/2009 Requirements for Personnel Identification, Access and Escorts in US Ports
02/2009

New UKMTO Transit Corridor through the Gulf of Aden

13/2008

REGISTRATION WITH MARITIME SECURITY CENTER - HORN OF AFRICA (MSCHOA) WWW.MSCHOA.ORG

10/2008 Recommendations for Vessels Transiting the Maritime Security Patrol Area
ISP-001 10/03 International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) (REVISED)

Luxembourg

  (Reference) 

2004/05/28 CIRCULAR CAM 05/2004 International Ship and Port Facility Cecurity (ISPS) Code
2004/03/10 CIRCULAR CAM 02/2004 International Ship and Port Facility Cecurity (ISPS) Code

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

  (Reference) 

MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE NO 4 OF 2004 APPLICATION FORM FOR THE ISSUE OF CONTINUOUS SYNOPSIS RECORD
MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE NO 3 OF 2004 SHIP SECURITY GUIDELINES

Netherlands

  (Reference) 

19 May 2009 Version 2.1 Consolidated interpretations
26 July 2006 Version 3 Change to Ship Security Plans

Panama UPDATE!

04/2012 No. 243 Authorization for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) NEW!
04/2012 No. 242 International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) and Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) through Segumar Offices NEW!
04/2012 No. 240 Application Forms for the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) NEW!
04/2012 No. 239 Segumar Korea and Singapore Offices NEW!
04/2012 No. 238 Ship Protection Measures for Vessels transiting High Risk Areas. NEW!
12/2011 No. 234 Interim Recommendations for Panamanian Flagged vessels using PCASP while arriving, staying and departing from International Ports
07/2011 No. 231 Piracy Reports
07/2011 No. 230 High Risk Areas
02/2012 No. 228 Requirements regarding the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel on board Panamanian Flagged Vessels.
04/2011 No. 222 Publication of Marine Notices in the Segumar webpage.
03/2011 No. 221 New Guidelines related to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MOU)
10/2010   SEGUMAR TOKYO OFFICE ISSUANCE OF TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE & MARITIME SHIP SECURITY CERTIFICATE (ISSC & CSR)
06/2010 No. 212 Segumar Piraeus Office
04/2010 No. 211 Segumar Tokyo Office
11/2011 No. 208 Information on Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), theBest Management Practices for ships transiting the Gulf of Aden, the contactpoints of Coordinating Authorities and Ship's Report for Piracy and Armed Robbery
09/2009 No. 207 Procedures for ISSC Extensions and Additional Verifications
03/2012 No. 206 Recognition of Company Security Officers (CSO)
09/2009 No. 205 Procedures for the issuance of the International Ship Security Certificate ISSC
09/2008 No. 196 STCW Required Training and Certification for Ship Security Officers (SSOs)
12/2011 No. 183 Procedures for the issuance of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR). UPDATE!
08/2008 No. 176 International Safety Management Code (an additional audit for ISM and/or ISPS)
09/2007 No. 151 Implementation of IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme
04/2007 No. 149 Procedures for the issuance of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and the Full Term International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC).
05/2006 No. 145 ISPS Code Intermediate verification
10/2004 No. 135 Procedures for the issuance of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and the Full Term International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC).
04/2004 No. 134 Validity of Course Certificates and Course Endorsements
02/2004 No. 133 Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
02/2004 No. 132 ISPS Code Entry into Force.
01/2012 No. 131 Implementation of the ISPS Code
09/2003 No. 129 Pre-Arrival Notification
09/2003 No. 128 Measures at Different Security Levels
09/2003 No. 127 Company Security Officers Guidelines
09/2003 No. 126 Ship Security Officers Guidelines
09/2003 No. 125 Ship Security Plan Guidelines
09/2003 No. 124 Ship Security Assessment Guidelines
09/2003 No. 123 Ship Security Guidelines

Philippines

Singapore

...Port Marine Circulars / ...Marine Circulars / ...Shipping Circulars

18 Jul. 2011 No.14 of 2011 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 89TH SESSION OF THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC 89) OF IMO
10 Jun. 2011 No.11 of 2011 Guidance on the Use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel on Board Singapore-Registered Ships in the High Risk Area
9 May 2011 No.10 of 2011 CHANGES TO THE MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE - HORN OF AFRICA (MSCHOA) VESSEL MOVEMENT REGISTRATION INSTRUCTION REGARDING TRANSITS THROUGH THE HIGH RISK AREA
26 Apr. 2011 No.9 of 2011 GUIDANCE ON THE PROCEDURES FOR TESTING OF THE SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEMS (SSAS) ON SINGAPORE-REGISTERED SHIPS
17 Mar. 2011 No.6 of 2011 REMINDER TO ADOPT THE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (VERSION 3) TO DETER PIRACY IN THE GULF OF ADEN AND OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA (MSC.1/Circ.1337)
17 Jan. 2011 No.2 of 2011 GUIDANCE FOR COMPANY SECURITY OFFICERS - PREPARATION OF A COMPANY AND CREW FOR THE CONTINGENCY OF HIJACK BY PIRATES IN THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN AND THE GULF OF ADEN
24 Sept. 2010 No.14 of 2010 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (VERSION 3) TO DETER PIRACY IN
THE GULF OF ADEN AND OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA (MSC.1/Circ.1337)
4 May 2010 No.6 of 2010 Reporting of Marine Security-Related Incidents Involving Singapore Ships
14 Aug. 2009 No.23 of 2009 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO DETER PIRACY IN THE GULF OF ADEN AND OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA (MSC.1/Circ. 1332)
12 May 2009 No.19 of 2009 GUIDANCE ON THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR TESTING OF SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEMS (SSAS)
16 Jun. 2008 No.11 of 2008 IMO UNIQUE COMPANY AND REGISTERED OWNER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER SCHEME. AMENDMENTS TO THE FORMAT AND GUIDELINES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CONTINUOUS SYNOPSIS RECORD (CSR) (RESOLUTION A.959(23))
20 Mar. 2008 No.9 of 2008 IMO UNIQUE COMPANY AND REGISTERED OWNER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER SCHEME
24 Sept. 2007 No.18 of 2007 TRAINING OF COMPANY SECURITY OFFICER (CSO)
24 Sept. 2007 No.17 of 2007 AMENDMENTS TO STCW CONVENTION RELATING TO THE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF SHIP SECURITY OFFICER (SSO)
7 Mar. 2007 No.8 of 2007 INTERIM GUIDANCE ON VOLUNTARY SELF-ASSESSMENT BY COMPANIES AND COMPANY SECURITY OFFICERS (CSOs) FOR
15 Jun. 2006 No.16 of 2006 GUIDANCE ON THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION FOR IDENTIFYING SHIPS WHEN TRANSMITTING SHIP SECURITY ALERTS
8 Jul. 2005 No.25 of 2005 Guidance on the Access of Public Authorities, Emergency Response Services and Pilots on Board Ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code Apply – MSC/CIRC.1156
16 Jun. 2005 No.22 of 2005 Maritime Security: Guidance on the Message Priority and the Testing of Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS)
29 Jun. 2004 No.17 of 2004 Declaration Of IMO Security Level
11 Jun. 2004 No.17 of 2004 Maritime Security: Guidance Relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
9 Jun. 2004 No.13 of 2004 Contact Details For Proper Recipients Of Maritime Security – Related Communications
21 Apr. 2004 No.11 of 2004 Legislation to give effect to the Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security and Issues relating thereto
16 Jan. 2004 No.3 EARLY COMPLIANCE OF THE SPECIAL MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY
9 Jan. 2004 No.2 of 2004 Piracy And Armed Robbery Against Ships
28 Oct. 2003 No.31 PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS
17 Oct. 2003 No.23 REVISED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE ON PROVISION OF SHIP SECURITY ALERT SYSTEMS
17 Oct. 2003 No.22 COMPANY SECURITY OFFICER, SHIP SECURITY OFFICER AND INTERNATIONAL SHIP SECURITY CERTIFICATE
13 Oct. 2003 No.21 MARKING OF SHIP'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (IMO)
26 Sept. 2003 No.20 PROVISIONAL AUTHORISATION OF RECOGNISED SECURITY ORGANISATIONS (RSO)
25 Aug. 2003 No.17 RECOGNISED SECURITY ORGANISATIONS (RSO) (CHAPTER XI-2(SPECIAL MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY))
25 Aug. 2003 No.16 GUIDANCE IN DETECTING AND PREVENTING UNLAWFUL PRACTICES
5 Jun. /2003 No.10 MARITME SECURITY TRAINING FOR COMPANY SECURITY OFFICERS AND SHIP SECURITY OFFICERS
23 May 2003 No.09 APPOINTMENT OF RECOGNISED SECURITY ORGANISATIONS (RSOs)
23 May 2003 No.08 EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIAL MEASURES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITY
12 Mar. 2003 No.03 MARITIME SECURITY - AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS 74 ADOPTED BY THE IMO DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE ON MARITIME SECURITY HELD IN LONDON IN DECEMBER 2002

St. Kitts & Nevis

United Kingdom

United States

Vanuatu