As has been advised through various sources, including ClassNK Technical Information, the Diplomatic Conference of the SOLAS convention held in December 2002 adopted a set of new requirements for maritime security measures, I.e., the new SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code (the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), which will come into force on 1 July 2004.

Passenger ships, and cargo ships of 500 GT or above, as well as mobile offshore drilling units engaged on international voyages must have an international ship security certificate on board by 1 July 2004. In order to obtain the certificate, ships must carry out a ship security assessment, develop a ship security plan based upon the outcome of the assessment, implement the plan on board, and have successfully undergone an initial ship security audit.

ClassNK has developed "RULES FOR THE AUDIT AND REGISTRATION OF SHIP SECURITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS" for non-Japanese flag ships, and will conduct audits for ships registered in those States which have authorised ClassNK to act on their behalf as a Recognized Security Organization (RSO). As a first stage, ClassNK has commenced approval of ship security plans at Head Office from August 2003, and will commence ship security audits at field offices from September 2003.

As for the details of the application process, please make reference to the ClassNK web-site under the heading "ClassNK Maritime Security" ("Handbook" in the Gateway to Maritime Security) (http://sms.classnk.or.jp/ispshp/html/English/handbook_e.htm)

Present status of various Flag States' authorization as an RSO is given in the attachment, however, updated information is posted on the ClassNK web-site under "Authorization of RSO" in "Gateway to maritime security" (http://sms.classnk.or.jp/ispshp/html/English/rso_e.htm). Please check the updated information on the web-site.

For the purpose of the internal training of maritime security auditors, ClassNK has distributed samples of ship security assessments and the reporting of such, to our field offices. If you would like to obtain these materials for your information, please contact a near-by ClassNK office.