Department of Maritime Security
As evident by current and past incidents, commercial ships and their crews are not only targets of crimes such as robbery, piracy and hostage taking, but are also potential targets of terrorist attacks and cyber intrusions. The IMSAG Administration believes that compliance to the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, potentially reduces the threat of crimes and attacks against Guyanese vessels and their crew, and minimizes the potential vulnerability of neighboring environments.
As a result of meetings and discussions with the UN, IMO, members of the International Association of Classification Societies, security consultants, clients and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Administration has developed comprehensive procedures for implementation and adherence to this regulatory compliance program.
The Guyanese Ship Registry employs an experienced staff compiled of maritime, operational and security experts to follow, monitor and analyze security situations, alerts and incidents worldwide.
The IMSAG Administration works with our clients to determine that ship security procedures are properly implemented, including:
- Development of Guyanese requirements for ISPS compliance;
- Implementation of Best Management Practices and other policies to deter unauthorized boarding and piracy;
- Guidance on maritime cyber risk management; and
- Setting and communicating security levels to Guyanese ships.
Different Security Levels:
Security level 1: normal, the level at which the ship or port facility normally operates. Security level 1 means the level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be maintained at all times.
Security level 2:
heightened, the level applying for as long as there is a heightened risk of a security incident. Security level 2 means the level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident.
Security level 3
exceptional, the level applying for the period of time when there is the probable or imminent risk of a security incident.
Security level 3 means the level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.
Setting security level 3 should be an exceptional measure applying only when there is credible information that a security incident is probable or imminent. Security level 3 should only be set for the duration of the identified security threat or actual security incident. While the security levels may change from security level 1, through security level 2 to security level 3, it is also possible that the security levels will change directly from security level 1 to security level 3.