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Oman’s Transport Ministry issued a new regulatory framework that aims to boost maritime safety and adhere to global standards, according to a ministerial resolution (pdf). The regulations require ships and ports to develop integrated security plans based on risk evaluations and mandate advanced monitoring systems which include issuing international compliance certificates to the IPS code-compliant entities, conducting specialized training programs for maritime staff, and establishing security committees to boost coordination.
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Who is affected? The new regulations will be applied to cargo ships with a 500 ton capacity or more, high-speed craft, mobile offshore drilling units, ports receiving global vessels, and passenger ships.
The details: Every Omani ship must carry a Ship Security Plan — approved by the Maritime Authority or authorized entities — written in Arabic and English. The plan must include the details of each security level, security measures for passengers and cargo, procedures for incidents, and others.
ISSC-approved: Omani ships are subject to inspections before the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is issued, which includes an initial inspection before the ships enter services to check on the ship’s security system and required equipment, annual inspection after entering into service, mid-term inspection between the second third years of issuance, and renewal inspection.
More about the certifications: The International Ship Security Certificate is issued by the Maritime Authority with a validity period not exceeding five years. The owner of the ship — in the case of being registered under the Omani flag — must provide the authority with the copy of the ISSC and becomes invalid if it’s transferred from one company to the other, under which the previous company must renew the certificate and notify the authority for this transfer.
Port authorities are also included: The port authority must develop a port security plan in compliance with the code requirements, appoint a port security office, report any incidents to the coast guard, and follow procedures for delivery ship supplies and handling vendors. Ports are subject to inspection by the port and ship security officers, to ensure the integration of an updated security assessment, an approved security plan, and availability of physical and technical security systems.
