The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), applying to ships and port facilities was developed by IMO, post 9/11. It has been in force just over one year. At this Conference, the ISPS Code will be reviewed and assessed from differing view-points. Some questions must be answered such as; is the Code a benefit or a burden? Should it be amended? What is its impact on shipping, ports and the flow of sea-borne trade?

New national security policies and security regulatory regimes will be assessed, also the new cooperation among the Canadian Navy, the US Coast Guard and security-related government agencies involved in Homeland Security.

Current IMO/ILO initiatives such as, “Places of Refuge” for ships in trouble and seeking safe haven from a coastal state and, “Fair Treatment of Seafarers” who might be detained by coastal states following an incident such as ship-source pollution will be discussed.

The objective of this Conference is to develop recommendations to IMO and national governments. Final discussions between presenters and delegates and the drafting of recommendations will take place in the conference room of a cruise ship berthed in the security of the Port of Halifax on the afternoon of Sept. 23, 2005.

The Conference will be of interest to shipping company executives, maritime administrators, port authorities and port facility operators, representatives of port workers, seafarers, providers of security systems and equipment. It will also be of interest to Navy and Coast Guard officers, maritime lawyers and government agencies involved in maritime boundary defense against illegal activities.

For a full Conference Program and Registration Form or on-line registration, please visit our web-site at: www.mastermariners.ca