ISPS

Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Maritime

ISPS
Stands forInternational Ship and Port Facility Security Code
CategoriesTransportation & Travel

ISPS stands for International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, a maritime abbreviation.

IMO security code requiring ships and port facilities to assess threats, appoint security officers and implement security plans with set threat levels. It came into force in July 2004.

Example: Visitors need an escort and photo ID to enter the ISPS-compliant terminal.

Usage notes

Adopted after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Ships have a ship security officer and companies a company security officer. Security levels 1 to 3 dictate the measures required. The code also underlies port access controls such as the US Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

More maritime abbreviations

  • HMAS – His Majesty's Australian Ship
  • HMCS – His Majesty's Canadian Ship
  • HMS – His Majesty's Ship
  • IALA – International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation
  • IMO – International Maritime Organization
  • ISM – International Safety Management Code
  • LCL – Less than container load
  • LOA – Length overall
  • MARPOL – International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
  • MLC – Maritime Labour Convention
  • MMSI – Maritime Mobile Service Identity
  • MOB – Man overboard

See all 61 maritime abbreviations →