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Home › Survey & Certification › ISPS Certification (International Ship Security Certificate)
Operational guide · Certification & surveys

ISPS Certification (International Ship Security Certificate)

The ISSC records verification of ship security within SOLAS XI-2 scope; validity depends on timely verifications and endorsements.

ISSCISPS CodeRSOsecurity certification

Operational Explanation

The ISSC connects certification with the security system actually implemented on the ship. Preparation links the approved plan, CSO and SSO responsibilities, completed activities and relevant evidence. The certificate must remain consistent with the ship and continued maintenance of that system, as well as verification dates.

A full certificate lasts no more than five years. Where only one intermediate verification is required and validity is five years, it falls between the second and third anniversaries and must be endorsed. Arrange renewal and required additional verifications with the flag or its authorized RSO.

Document / evidenceHow to use it
CertificateIdentity, authorised issuer, validity and verification endorsements.
Plan and responsibilitiesApproved SSP, pertinent version and CSO/SSO responsibilities.
ImplementationRelevant training, drill/exercise, audit/review and finding follow-up evidence, protected from unauthorised access.

Regulatory Reference

ISPS Code A/19 — ISSC; SOLAS XI-2; A.1206(34), PSC Procedures 2025.

For the link between plan, records, responsibilities and certification also read ISPS A/9–13 and A/19. The ISPS 2003 text published by the Turkish Administration supports the cited provisions; apply current flag provisions and instructions.

Scope of Application

Passenger ships including high-speed craft; cargo ships including high-speed craft of at least 500 GT; and MODUs, engaged on international voyages. Check national extensions separately.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Check category, voyages, authorized issuer, expiry and ISSC endorsements.
  2. Arrange verifications with the flag/RSO and maintain implementation of the approved SSP.
  3. Make the SSO and relevant training and exercise evidence available, respecting security-document confidentiality.
  4. For an invalid or expired ISSC, promptly involve the Company and competent authorities.

For each agreed verification, connect its type with required evidence, findings and completed actions. Afterwards check the report and the certificate/endorsement actually issued. CSO and SSO organise access to pertinent documentation under confidentiality rules; preparation does not require disclosure of SSP contents.

Practical Example

A completed intermediate verification also requires the endorsement: a booking or report alone does not establish certificate validity.

The file records verification date, result and actual endorsement, making any outstanding follow-up visible. Security activity records remain protected under the plan and applicable instructions.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Confusing expiry with the intermediate window, or treating detention as automatic for every ISSC problem.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to avoid it
Plan the intermediate verification from final expiry aloneThe required window or endorsement may be missed and the certificate may lose validity.Read ISSC dates and endorsements and arrange verification and endorsement with flag/RSO within the pertinent limits.
Treat the report as a replacement for endorsementThe file may show completed verification without the required certificate endorsement.Check the certificate actually endorsed and resolve any missing entry with the issuer.
Treat every ISSC problem as automatic detentionEffects or actions not decided by the competent authority may be attributed to the finding.Report the problem and follow the authorised authority’s assessment under SOLAS XI-2/9.

What the PSCO Checks

The PSCO checks a valid ISSC, security level, SSO and relevant evidence. The PSCO is not tasked with testing the security system. Clear grounds require involvement of the Duly Authorized Officer under national procedures; a PSCO holding that authorization may act in that capacity. SOLAS XI-2/9 measures depend on the circumstances: an expired ISSC does not automatically mean detention.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

How long does a full ISSC last?
At most five years, subject to required verifications and endorsements.
Is detention automatic with an expired ISSC?
No. There are clear grounds for control, but the authorized official determines measures from the circumstances.
Must the PSCO test the security system?
No: observations during ordinary duties may identify matters to refer to the competent authority.

Related Topics

Ship Security Plan and the ISPS CodeHSSC

Certified substantive revision: 13 October 2026 · page fingerprint 79827fa6f22e