Maritime security awareness: Recognising threats and understanding the ISPS Code

Maritime security is not only about piracy or high-profile incidents at sea. In daily operations, security risks can also involve unauthorized access, suspicious behaviour, stowaways, tampering with cargo, theft, cyber-enabled disruption or attempts to gather sensitive information. For seafarers working on vessels that fall under the ISPS Code, recognising these threats early is part of safe and compliant shipboard operations.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, usually called the ISPS Code, entered into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2 on 1 July 2004. It created a mandatory international framework for ship and port security and remains the basis for maritime security measures in international shipping. The Code is split into Part A, which contains mandatory requirements, and Part B, which provides guidance on how those requirements can be applied.

Why maritime security awareness matters

A vessel is a controlled working environment, but it is also connected to ports, contractors, visitors, cargo flows and international transit routes. That makes it exposed to a wide range of security vulnerabilities. A person boarding without authorization, an unattended package, altered identification, unusual interest in restricted areas or attempts to bypass procedures can all be indicators that something is wrong.

Security awareness means understanding that these warning signs are operational issues, not abstract policy points. Crew members do not all have designated security duties, but they still contribute to the ship’s security by staying alert, following procedures and reporting concerns quickly. This is why STCW includes security training requirements for all seafarers. The IMO states that the convention includes new requirements for security training for all seafarers, including training related to piracy and armed robbery.

What the ISPS Code does in practice

The ISPS Code was developed to improve cooperation between governments, ports and shipping companies in identifying threats and applying proportionate preventive measures. Its objectives include assessing threats, defining responsibilities, supporting information exchange and ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place both on board ships and in ports.

In practice, this means ships and port facilities work within a structured security system. The Code requires designated roles such as the Ship Security Officer, Company Security Officer and Port Facility Security Officer. It also relies on security assessments and security plans so that risks are managed in a planned and documented way rather than through ad hoc reactions.

For Dutch shipping, ILT explains that ISPS security rules apply to cargo ships of 500 GT and above, passenger ships, mobile offshore drilling units and port facilities, and that requirements can include a Ship Security Plan, a Ship Security Officer and systems such as a Ship Security Alert System.

Recognising common maritime security threats

Threat recognition starts with routine awareness. Most security issues first appear as something small that seems out of place. A person may be in an area where they should not be. Cargo documentation may not match what is being handled. A door to a restricted space may be left unsecured. Someone may try to pressure a crew member into ignoring identification or access rules.

Suspicious behaviour does not always look dramatic. It may involve unusual photography, repeated attempts to obtain information about the voyage, interest in security routines, loitering near restricted zones or unexplained packages and equipment. Awareness training helps seafarers distinguish between normal operational activity and indicators that need to be reported.

This matters because shipboard security depends on early recognition. The sooner a concern is noticed and communicated, the easier it is to contain risk before it affects the vessel, crew, passengers or cargo.

The role of the crew member without designated security duties

Not every seafarer is assigned formal security responsibilities, but every person on board still has a part in maintaining security. The FMTC course page states that STCW Security Awareness is intended for seafarers on ISPS Code-compliant vessels who do not have designated security duties, including deck crew, engine crew, catering staff, hotel personnel, trainees and cadets.

For these crew members, the focus is not on managing the full ship security system. It is on awareness, recognition and response. That includes understanding the importance of security procedures, recognising threats, maintaining vigilance and knowing how and when to report a security concern. A good security culture depends on this basic level of awareness being shared across the whole vessel, not limited to one officer or department.

Security awareness and compliance under STCW

Under FMTC’s course description, the training is mandatory under STCW Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6-1 for seafarers working on vessels subject to the ISPS Code who do not have designated security duties. The purpose is to provide essential knowledge of maritime security threats and the actions required to maintain security on board.

This makes the training both practical and regulatory. It helps participants understand what is expected of them on board, while also supporting compliance with international standards. FMTC also states that the course has no prerequisites, lasts half a day and leads to a certificate compliant with STCW requirements.

Related course: STCW Security Awareness

The STCW Security Awareness course is directly linked to the operational reality of working on board ISPS vessels. It is designed for seafarers who need to understand maritime security risks without taking on designated security duties.

Participants learn how ship security is structured, what types of threats may arise and how to respond appropriately through vigilance, reporting and compliance with shipboard procedures. That makes the training relevant for a wide range of maritime roles, from deck and engine personnel to hotel and catering staff on passenger vessels.

Take the next step

Security awareness is part of professional shipboard conduct. Recognising threats early and understanding the ISPS framework helps protect people, cargo, vessels and port operations.

View the course details for STCW Security Awareness on FMTC Safety to see availability, certification information and booking options