ISPS Ship Security Plan (SSP)

The Ship Security Plan (SSP) is a mandatory document under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code), which was adopted as part of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 following the 2002 diplomatic conference. The ISPS Code applies to all cargo ships of 500GT and above on international voyages, passenger ships, and mobile offshore drilling units—and by extension, to superyachts that fall within these definitions or that operate under flag state requirements extending the code to commercial yachts. Even where the ISPS Code does not apply by strict statutory definition, many superyacht flag states require an SSP equivalent as part of their yacht code, and port states in high-security environments routinely verify security documentation for all large yachts. An inadequate or missing SSP creates significant operational risk. This professional package gives you a complete, survey-ready SSP and the crew-facing tools to implement it.

Who Needs This

This package is designed for superyachts subject to ISPS Code requirements—whether under full SOLAS Chapter XI-2 application or flag state yacht code extension. Commercially operated yachts frequently calling at US ports are subject to US Coast Guard ISPS verification as a condition of port entry. Yachts calling at ports in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and other security-sensitive regions face rigorous ISPS inspections. Vessels with a Ship Security Officer (SSO) who has completed a security course under STCW but lacks a properly structured SSP are not in compliance, regardless of the SSO’s qualification. This package is also appropriate for vessels in high-risk operating areas where a documented and drilled security plan provides a genuine operational benefit beyond regulatory compliance.

What’s Included

Ship Security Plan Template

A fully structured Word document covering all required content under ISPS Code Part A Sections 9-13: measures to prevent weapons and dangerous substances being taken on board, measures to prevent unauthorised access to the vessel, procedures for responding to security threats and breaches at each of the three ISPS security levels, procedures for evacuation in the event of security threats, duties of shipboard personnel with security responsibilities, procedures for interfacing with port facility security plans, periodic review and audit procedures, reporting procedures for security incidents, identification of the Ship Security Officer and Company Security Officer, and the vessel’s security equipment inventory. The template is structured to satisfy the ISPS Code requirement for the SSP to be confidential and not available to the general public.

Companion Guide

A practical completion guide covering each section of the SSP—how to conduct the ship security assessment (SSA) that underpins the plan, how to define and document measures for each security level, how to establish the SSO and CSO roles and responsibilities, and how to maintain and update the plan after security drills and incidents. Includes guidance on the confidentiality requirements for the SSP.

Quick Reference Cards

Two laminate-ready cards: one covering the security measures and procedures for Security Levels 1, 2, and 3; and one covering the security incident response sequence including communication with the Company Security Officer, flag state, and port facility authorities.

Crew Brief

A plain-language summary of the vessel’s security arrangements, the three security levels, the crew’s reporting responsibilities, and the SSO’s role. Suitable for induction and annual security briefings, with a sign-off record for training files.

Regulatory Compliance

This SSP satisfies ISPS Code Part A requirements as implemented under SOLAS Chapter XI-2. It is structured to meet the SSP review requirements of the Red Ensign Group, Marshall Islands, Malta, and Bahamas flag state administrations. The plan format meets US Coast Guard ISPS verification expectations for vessels calling at US ports.

How to Use

1. Download all files immediately after purchase
2. Read the Companion Guide to understand the SSA process before completing the SSP
3. Conduct the ship security assessment with your SSO and document the findings
4. Complete the SSP template using the Companion Guide instructions
5. Issue the Crew Brief at your next safety and security meeting
6. Conduct a security drill at each of the three security levels and document the outcomes
7. Submit the completed SSP to your flag state for endorsement
8. Keep the SSP confidential—do not post it on public notice boards or share with unauthorised persons

Why Choose Our Template

This SSP template was developed with direct reference to ISPS Code Part A requirements and flag state survey practice on superyachts. The companion guide explains the security assessment methodology in terms that SSOs without a maritime security background can understand and apply. The quick reference cards give the master and SSO an immediately accessible guide to the security level procedures during an actual security situation. The crew brief is written for non-specialist crew members, not security professionals. When ISPS Code amendments or flag state implementation guidance changes, the package is updated and existing customers receive the revision at no additional cost.