Typical Problem

World trade is dependent on maritime transport and great strides have been made in recent years to render this system as open and frictionless as possible in order to spur even greater economic growth. However, the very things that have allowed maritime transport to contribute to economic prosperity also render it uniquely vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist groups. The risks are numerous and encompass both containerized and bulk shipping. The vulnerabilities are important, and range from the possibility for physical breaches in the integrity of shipments and vessels to documentary fraud and illicit money-raising for terrorist groups. Finally, the stakes are extremely high, as any important breakdown in the maritime transport system would fundamentally cripple the world economy.


Our Solution

ICTS supplies a range of customized maritime security solutions, meeting each client's specific needs. ICTS maritime security consultants possess vast experience and expertise, accumulated over many years of activity.

The security consultancy service provided by ICTS is a synergism of services rather than a single product. The integration of the following services is what delivers world-class results to our clients:

• Port Security Assessment and Security Plan: Determination of risks that a port facility faces; classification of the risks through the use of information and intelligence, development and presentation of the recommended aspects of personnel and technical measures. The security assessment, which is actually the basis of design, is the most important undertaking within the overall process because it determines the implementation of remaining tasks.



• Personnel: The human factor is the most fundamental component in a security system. ICTS's approach in maximizing human potential involves 3 main tasks:
  • Recruitment: Recruitment of the correct candidate for each location is vital for the entire project.
  • Training: ICTS training material develops highly motivated, exceedingly aware and professional security staff. Lifelike simulations are used to generate experience of potentially dangerous situations in order to ensure that mistakes, shock or panic are avoided in a real emergency.
  • Inspections: The establishment of an initially effective system does not ensure the perpetuation of the system's effectiveness. Personnel and system inspections and drills guarantee the continuity of the highest possible level of performance.



• Technical System Design: An effective system is where the human factor is supported by technical means. Based on the cost / benefit principle, ICTS engineers design the most cost effective security systems. When selecting the required equipment, the needs of the facility, the costs, and the dependability of the equipment must be taken into consideration. The selected equipment must have direct impact when properly implemented. Such means ensure a high level of security, but must always be supported by operational procedures, training and intelligence.



• Security Procedures: A set of routine and emergency procedures (including ISPS security levels 1, 2 and 3) covering the duties of security personnel, management, emergency service personnel, and crews will be formulated by ICTS. These procedures should also outline the chain of command and the responsibilities of all involved parties, under both routine and emergency conditions.
  The procedures will be approved by the local authority, communicated to all relevant entities and updated periodically based on changing needs.



• Information and intelligence: In order to learn about the modi operandi of terrorist organizations and discern changes and developments in a timely manner, information must be collected on a continuous basis and incorporated into current security principles, to ensure that the system remains effective and appropriate vis-à-vis changing risks and requirements.
  The information collected must be processed and analyzed, and the Risk Analysis and preventive measures updated accordingly.



• Control, Audit, Drill: A control mechanism must be established in order to continually monitor the attentiveness, alertness and effectiveness of the security system. Control, audits and drills will take into account the types of operations of the port facility, personnel changes at the port facility, the type of ships served by the port facility, and other relevant circumstances and/or regulation guidelines. An annual control, audit and drill plan will be prepared and implemented by ICTS consultants, togather with the Port Security Officer. The results of these activities (simulations, surprise visits, etc.) will be recorded and analyzed in order to establish a cycle of continual feedback and improvement.

Benefits to Our Clients

• Prevention of potential loss of revenue, and increased liability in the event of a security incident.
• A cost effective security system - ICTS presents the optimum system with the lowest budget possible.
• Highly effective and thoroughly tested systems.
• Quality assurance for continuity and efficiency.
• Continual awareness of the threats facing an organization.
• Highly trained and motivated security teams.

The ISPS code - a new challenge for port operators

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code was adopted by IMO in December 2002. It is a comprehensive security regime for international shipping and port operators, intended to enable better monitoring of freight flow, combat smuggling and response to the threat of terrorist attacks. Non-compliance with ISPS Code requirements can result in loss of revenue and potentially increased liability in the event of a security incident.

The ISPS code will become mandatory on July 1, 2004. It requires all nations to ensure the performance of Security Assessments, preparation of Security Plans, stricter access controls, and the appointment of Company Security Officers (CSO) and Ship Security Officers (SSO).

It is likely that countries that fail to meet the requirements of the ISPS Code will face negative repercussions until they demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

The ISPS Code requires the conduction of port facility security assessments, the development of port facility security plans and the appointment and training of a Port Security Officer. Depending on the decision of the responsible government and the complexity of the port and associated port facilities, compliance with the ISPS Code may appear to be an onerous task.

ICTS has specialized knowledge in this area and the company has developed an integrated security system for ISPS compliance.


Our Credentials

• ICTS was recently chosen by the World Bank to write the security chapter of the "Customs Modernization Handbook." The objective of this chapter is to assist countries in dealing with the security challenges facing international transport and shipping services as they relate to customs, cargo and port facility security.
• ICTS has implemented and is currently in the process of implementing the ISPS code in various seaports.
• ICTS has vast experience in the preparation and implementation of security plans for marine vessels.
• ICTS provides a broad range of services to more than 60 airline clients at over 45 airports worldwide. Services provided include design and layout; utilization of advanced training simulators; operation of technological airport systems; and provision of state-of-the-art tools for supervision and control.
• Through one of its subsidiaries, ICTS has acquired over two decades of practical experience in homeland security systems for high-risk maritime environments.