ISPS International Ship and Port Security

U.S. Coast Guard vessel Moray with crew members on deck in coastal waters

Security Risk Management-Shipping Companies/Vessels and Ports and Terminals

ShorelineHudson offers a unique approach to enterprise security that is predicated on deep expertise in maritime operations and security as well as a converged approach to security that considers physical, operational, and cyber security as connected elements within the spectrum of enterprise security

ISPS Code/MTSA Compliance

ShorelineHudson conducts Ship Security Assessments (SSAs) and develops Ship Security Plans (SSPs) in compliance with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code.

ShorelineHudson’s SSAs involve an On-scene Security Survey (OSS) and a report that includes the a current AVRA™ calculation, and marked General Arrangement plan. Per ISPS Code, individual assessments are performed onboard each vessel, forming the basis for the ship security plan. The process addresses factors to be protected, identifies strengths/weaknesses, and develops risk reduction measures.

Accepted by over forty Flag Administrations, ShorelineHudson’s plans ensure approval, with dedicated support for the review and submission process.

Post-approval, ShorelineHudson offers plan revision services for regulatory or client-requested changes, demonstrating a commitment to maritime security and adaptability to evolving requirements.

Risk Intelligence and Assessments

For over 20 years, ShorelineHudon’s security team has been a leader in reducing security risk in the maritime industry. We emphasize security planning, prevention, training, and management.

Our Automated Voyage Risk Assessment (AVRA™), a web-based voyage security risk planning tool, helps shipping companies systemically reduce risk by providing information relevant for addressing real-time threat assessments prior to each voyage. AVRA™ also allows users to maintain secure records and track historic performance. AVRA™ is also a tool for the marine insurance underwriting market to see clearly the efforts made by vessels to reduce exposure to risks inherent on any voyage.

ShorelineHudson also conducts one-off assessments for unique, specialty voyages, such as prisoner transfers, high-risk cargo, and trips through contested waters.

Automated Voyage Risk Assessment (AVRA) TM

Risk intelligence in maritime shipping is vital for proactive safety, asset protection, regulatory compliance, and environmental preservation. It informs strategic decisions, influences insurance considerations, and ensures the safety, resilience, and responsible practices of maritime operations.

ShorelineHudson’s Automated Voyage Risk Assessment (AVRA™), a web-based threat assessment software solution, helps shipping companies systemically reduce risk by providing information relevant for addressing real-time threat assessments prior to each voyage. AVRA™ also allows users to maintain secure records and track historic performance.

ShorelineHudson’s security team also conducts specialty risk assessments for one-off voyages, such as a prisoner transport or a vessel carrying high-risk cargo or traversing contested regions

What is AVRA™?

AVRA™, or Automated Voyage Risk Assessment, is a proven security risk planning tool that swiftly identifies and mitigates risks to crew, ship, and cargo from maritime crime. It simplifies the ship planning process, providing owners and operators with a pre-planning tool for enhanced safety and security.

AVRA™ aids ship owners and operators in determining the most secure and sensible routes for their vessels by providing

  • Automated voyage risk assessments
  • Comprehensive threat analysis
  • Specific threat identification
  • Tools for effective risk mitigation

Maritime crime risks covered by AVRA™ in detail include general and organized criminal activity in ports, smuggling, drugs, corruption, domestic political unrest, terrorism, piracy, and stowaways.

AVRA™ is also a valuable tool P&I Clubs, underwriters, governments, educational establishments, and anyone seeking a greater understanding of current threats to shipping and maritime transportation.

Key Benefits

AVRA™ provides the following benefits to ship owners and operators:

  • Streamlines the risk analysis process through a web-based and automated platform, ensuring efficiency and speed.
  • Reduces losses and cuts costs by guarding against the financial impact of maritime crime.
  • Provides efficient and accurate information offered to underwriters to owners and operators with access.
  • Accurately identifies specific threats, allowing for timely incorporation of preventive procedures and countermeasures into the Ship Security Plan (SSP).
  • Empowers Company Security Officers to provide Masters with detailed and risk-based voyage instructions, enhancing overall security and effectiveness.
  • Contains an algorithm to assess the impact of various protective security measures, aiding vessel personnel in complying with ISPS and ISM codes.
  • Generates comprehensive threat reports that are diagrammatically presented in accordance with ISPS codes.
  • Offers global coverage, meeting the requirements of Industry Best Management Practice for combating piracy.

Applicable Standards and Best Practices

AVRA™ adheres to various best practices and standards in the maritime industry and helps ships comply with the following regulatory codes and standards:

  • International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
  • International Safety Management (ISM) Code
  • U.S. Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-06
  • Industry Best Management Practice (BMP) for Combating Piracy

Training, Drills, and Exercises

ShorelineHudson offers a variety of training programs to ensure shipping companies’ vessels and land-based operations comply with regulatory requirements, provide professional development, and ensure personnel are fully aware of potential threats and how to mitigate those risks.

ShorelineHudson also creates and facilitates tailored drills and exercises to ensure vessels and land-based shipping operations are ready to deal with incidents should they arise.

Training courses, drills, and table-top exercises (TTXs) that ShorelineHudson offers include -but are not limited to- the following:

Security

  • USCG-approved VSO training
  • USCG-approved CSO training
  • USCG-approved training for personnel with security duties
  • Sanctions Compliance
  • Integrated physical-cyber security table-top exercises (TTXs)
  • Integrated physical security and environmental protection TTXs
  • Disaster risk management TTXs

Cyber

  • Customized cyber security awareness training (modules and workshops)​
    • Vessel officers + crew
    • Office administrative staff + executives
  • Board of Director training
  • Tailored cybersecurity drills, exercises, seminars, and workshops
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