Editor's Column - Aims to try and reduce the risk of terrorism by implementing a framework

SINCE the events of September 11, the threat of terrorist attack has become the new focus for the global shipping industry. The recent horrific scenes from Madrid only go to show just how real that threat is. The ISPS Code, due to come into force in July this year, aims to try and reduce the risk of terrorism by implementing a framework through which ships and ports can operate to help detect and deter acts which pose a threat to maritime security. Given the column inches devoted to the impending introduction of the code, no-one in the industry can claim ignorance of its arrival or its intended role.

Vernon C Miller, however, poses some very interesting questions in this issue of The Maritime Advocate that, thus far, remain unanswered. For example, what happens if a vessel is in compliance with the code, but a number of facilities at its ten previous ports of call are not? As Vernon points out, one thing is for sure - the issues that are likely to arise under the new maritime security regime will be the subject of much litigation and arbitration for many years to come.

One person who is already filling much of his time with ISPS Code matters is Brad Berman. A lawyer by trade, Brad is now president of the Liberian International Ship Registry (LISCR) and found time recently to catch up with Lucy Budd. As Lucy found out, explaining the legal, financial and operational consequences of the code to owners around the world is keeping Brad busy. Thankfully, he still finds time to indulge his love of fine wines along the way.

Talking of fine wines, this month marks the joint dinner of ICMA and LMAA, coinciding with the ICMA XV Conference. As Bruce Harris explained when I met up with him recently, ICMA is unique, as the programme is devised by the delegates themselves. Not surprisingly, security, war risk and terrorism top the agenda here too.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, we hope you enjoy this issue of The Maritime Advocate.