Ferry News Archive
Ferry Ports maintain 'level one' security
Date: 02 Jul 2007 00:00 Source: Lloyds ListBritain's ferry ports are to remain at the official minimum ‘level one’ security standing, despite the recent unsuccessful terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow.
The decision not to shift to level two indicates that the intelligence services currently perceive little terrorism risk for the sector.
However, a memo from Transec - the transport security division of the Department for Transport - has been issued and calls for increased vigilence, according to two people who have read the document.
Meanwhile, additional vehicle checks will be unilaterally enacted at several leading terminals, Lloyd’s List has ascertained.
One top port, which asked not to be identified, confirmed: “We have upped our security measures and actions that we take. But that is our decision rather than Transec’s instruction.”
Port security standings are determined by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, which came into force in July 2004.
The code provides for three levels of security status. Level one is normal and is mandatory on all ports at all times.
Level two kicks in when there is suspicion an attack may occur, but no specific intelligence.
Level three is invoked where there is definite evidence of an impending attack.
The government is known to have contingency plans for the armed takeover of ports should a level three alert make this justifiable.
A spokesman for the DfT said: “We are not saying anything, except we have issued advice and guidance to the industry on sensible steps they might take in co-operation with the police.
“Really it is for each port to take sensible measures appropriate to its circumstances.”
He refused to comment on the current ISPS security level for the UK.
A port security specialist said that Transec was rightly reluctant to push up security levels unless needed.
Of Britain’s 600-plus ports, only around half a dozen really needed to taken notice of the thwarted bomb outrages.
“If we become a fortified island, that is going to have an adverse effect on trade,” he noted.
However, he predicted more checks at passenger ports and spot checks on boxes, if only because of the political imperative for the government to able to point to concrete actions.
Scottish ferry operator CalMac has banned car parking in the vicinity of terminal buildings, except for key personnel and disabled parking permit holders.
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