Written Question · S2W-07232 · Session 2
What implications will be for ports of increased security measures; what the estimated additional costs would be to ports of any such measu…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what implications will be for ports of increased security measures; what the estimated additional costs would be to ports of any such measures; who would be responsible for meeting any such costs; what funding will be available to meet such costs and from whom, and which ports would have to take steps to comply with regulations arising from such measures and which already comply.
The answer
Maritime security is a reservedmatter, and the Scottish Executive is in close contact with the Department for Transport'sTransport Security Directorate (TRANSEC) which is responsible for maritime counter-terroristsecurity policy.
The UK already hasa comprehensive maritime security regime in place that is regulated in accordancewith the Aviation and Maritime Act 1990 and this will be used, where appropriate,as the foundation of a new National Maritime Security Programme (NMSP). A cornerstoneof the NMSP is the introduction of the new International Maritime Organisation (IMO)International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The ISPS Code appliesto all port facilities serving passenger ships and cargo ships over 500gt engagedon international voyages.
In the UK, the costof meeting these security requirements falls to industry. The “user pays” principlehas been maintained throughout the country’s history of regulating transport security,and costs are ultimately passed on to customers. It is not therefore possible togive an indication of costs because they are not held centrally.
However, as part of the implementationprocess of the IMO’s new maritime security regime, TRANSEC is conducting a RegulatoryImpact Assessment which will, when complete, provide a broad picture of the costsassociated with meeting the UK’s new security requirements.
The European Commission has alsoproposed a regulation to ensure consistent application and implementation of theIMO requirements, which the UK supports. The Department for Transport is also currentlyconsulting on the proposal for an EC Directive on enhancing port security.
The UK already hasa comprehensive maritime security regime in place that is regulated in accordancewith the Aviation and Maritime Act 1990 and this will be used, where appropriate,as the foundation of a new National Maritime Security Programme (NMSP). A cornerstoneof the NMSP is the introduction of the new International Maritime Organisation (IMO)International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The ISPS Code appliesto all port facilities serving passenger ships and cargo ships over 500gt engagedon international voyages.
In the UK, the costof meeting these security requirements falls to industry. The “user pays” principlehas been maintained throughout the country’s history of regulating transport security,and costs are ultimately passed on to customers. It is not therefore possible togive an indication of costs because they are not held centrally.
However, as part of the implementationprocess of the IMO’s new maritime security regime, TRANSEC is conducting a RegulatoryImpact Assessment which will, when complete, provide a broad picture of the costsassociated with meeting the UK’s new security requirements.
The European Commission has alsoproposed a regulation to ensure consistent application and implementation of theIMO requirements, which the UK supports. The Department for Transport is also currentlyconsulting on the proposal for an EC Directive on enhancing port security.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-07232 by reference.