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Unreasonable behaviour on the part of port state officials has led to the
publication of a guidance circular by the International Maritime
Organization to prevent future misinterpretations of the International Ship
and Port Facility Security Code.
Within the first few months of the ISPS code’s implementation, shipowners’
organisations have reported that officials adhering to company policies did
not allow those who needed to get aboard visiting ships access.
Officers, in compliance with these policies, were preventing shipboard
personnel from going ashore by reading the vessels draught.
The admittance of legitimate visitors, including owners’ representatives,
safety inspectors, auditors, maintenance and repair personnel and
representatives of seafarers welfare organisations and labour organisations
will now be permitted, as the guidance note explains in the port security
plans.
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