Marisec was formed in 2002 as a joint venture between the SSI Group and the International Maritime Bureau with the primary objective of assisting maritime organisations comply with the ISPS Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), and to counter the increasing threat from organised criminal groups and terrorist cells.
Marisec is an approved Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) by the Governments of the United Arab Emirates, Mozambique and Djibouti and its personnel have undertaken Port Facility Security Assessments and Plans for over thirty port facilities, including the Ports of Windsor, Hamilton, Ontario, Victoria, British Colombia, Djibouti and Maputo. Marisec is uniquely qualified to offer a comprehensive range of security services and has the capability to develop holistic cost-effective port security solutions.
Marisec has assembled a team of master mariners and security and intelligence professionals, trained by the national intelligence agencies of Canada and the UK, and by Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Customs, Ports Canada Police, and Port of London Police. Marisec personnel have current first hand experience and expertise in preparing security plans and in devising effective simulations, drills and exercises for ports.

Legislative Compliance
In order for a port to comply with the ISPS Code / MTSA, a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) must have been performed. This entails carrying out a threat assessment that establishes the threats faced by port facilities, followed by a vulnerability assessment that examines the port’s vulnerability to threats identified in the assessment. Thereafter, a risks and consequences analysis is used to establish and rank the risks and to determine the likely consequences should an event occur.
Following the assessment, a risk mitigation programme is produced and incorporated into a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). The PFSP must comply with the IMO standards and will include details of deficiencies identified during assessment and the solutions adopted to address them.
Upon approval a "Statement of Compliance" will be issued and thereafter the port must comply with the training, drills and exercise provisions of the ISPS Code, as well as carry out an annual reassessment of the PFSA and PFSP, submitting changes to the Contracting Government.
Compliance with ISPS Code and MTSA standards will be monitored by the Contracting Government and by foreign governments, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, that will periodically send inspectors to conduct compliance audits.

MARISEC Support
With the July 1st 2004 deadline for completion having passed, it is evident that a number of ports have yet to comply and may need assistance in doing so. Those ports that have already complied must now focus on:
Implementing recommendations for enhanced security measures

Physical and Electronic Security Solutions
The implementation of recommendations arising from PFSAs and PFSPs has resulted in ports seeking value for money equipment and manpower solutions. Marisec personnel are experienced in systems design and project management ,and can assist port management in the specification / integration of equipment and the running of manpower and equipment tender competitions. An example of Marisec’s expertise in this area is evidenced by the trust placed in it by the Ports of Maputo and Djibouti to both design and specify equipment, and to manage the tender process for security guarding and equipment.

Audits & Assessments
Marisec can assist ports with periodic PFSP reviews to ensure that any changes in requirements are addressed; that audits and verifications are conducted; that any deficiencies are rectified, and where required, plans and standard operating procedures are amended. Such audits ensure ISPS Code compliance is maintained, and assist in preparations for intermediate verification performed by the ISSC certifying authority.

Drills, Exercises and Simulations
The ISPS Code section 18.4/5/6 requires that drills are conducted quarterly to identify any security related deficiencies that need to be addressed, and to ensure that port personnel are proficient in all assigned security duties. Drills are required to test the individual elements of the port’s security plan and specifically threats listed in paragraph 15.11, which include:

• Damage/destruction caused by explosives, arson, sabotage;
• Unauthorised access;
• Smuggling of weapons or equipment ;
• Blockage to port entrances, approaches, etc;
• Nuclear, biological and chemical attack.

Marisec has devised a variety of drill formats that address Code requirements and can assist in the planning and management of drills ranging from perimeter penetration attempts and response, to the evacuation of a building, to searches for explosives and arms. The targets for these drills are all employees within the port facility and, where practical, the ships alongside.
In addition, the port facility or port authority is required to conduct a full scale exercise once a year. These exercises take time to plan and execute, and additional time is required to carry out a post mortem and compile recommendations to address deficiencies identified. Furthermore, specific expertise and experience is needed to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived at the optimum cost. Marisec consultants have first hand experience in such exercises, including the coordination of local emergency services, military, police and coastguard.
At the conclusion of this annual exercise, the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) must be reviewed and amended as necessary. The changed plan must them be sent to the Contracting Government for approval.
In addition, there must be an ongoing "Quality Assurance Process’’ in place. This will include an internal audit procedure and a system designed to ensure continuing maintenance of plans, SOPs and systems.

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