Internationally, port security is governed by rules issued by the International Maritime Organization and its 2004 International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) states that “The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States” (IMO). 

The ISPS Code is an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (1974/1988) on minimum security arrangements for ships, ports and government agencies. Coming into effect in 2004, it directs responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to “detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.”

Freeport Harbour Company has been an ISPS compliant port since 2004 and remains compliant by preparing and implementing effective security plans that are able to manage any potential security threat thereby demonstrating FHC’s strong drive to proactively and collectively address maritime security and to facilitate global trade.