Maritime Security in IMO GISIS – Maritime Education

An Introduction and Practical Guide to SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS Information

Introduction: Maritime Security in a High-Risk Global Shipping Environment

Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade, carrying more than 80 percent of world merchandise by volume. At the same time, ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure operate in an environment exposed to security threats such as terrorism, piracy, armed robbery, stowaways, cyber risks, and unlawful interference.

Major security incidents in the past decades have demonstrated that a single weak link—a ship, a port, or a lack of information sharing—can have serious consequences for human life, trade flows, and national security. In response, the international community, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), developed a comprehensive regulatory framework for maritime security.

A central digital tool supporting this framework is the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). Within GISIS, the “Maritime Security” module plays a critical role by providing access to official security-related information communicated under SOLAS regulation XI-2/13 and the ISPS Code.

This article provides a detailed educational introduction and user guide to the Maritime Security option in GISIS. It explains its legal basis, purpose, content, users, and practical importance for maritime professionals, regulators, students, and researchers worldwide.

Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Maritime Security

What Is IMO GISIS?

The Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) is an IMO-managed online platform that consolidates maritime data submitted by IMO Member States under various international conventions and codes.

GISIS serves as:

A centralized repository of regulatory maritime information
A transparency tool for safety, security, and environmental compliance
A reference system for administrations, port authorities, and industry stakeholders

While some GISIS modules are restricted, many—including Maritime Security—are available in the Public Area, allowing broad access to essential information.

What Is the “Maritime Security” Module in GISIS?

Core Purpose of the Module

The Maritime Security module in GISIS provides security-related information communicated by IMO Member States in accordance with:

SOLAS Chapter XI-2
SOLAS Regulation XI-2/13
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

Its primary purpose is to facilitate international cooperation, awareness, and compliance in maritime security matters.

The module supports the global maritime community by ensuring that relevant security information is available, structured, and authoritative.

Legal Framework Behind the Maritime Security Module

SOLAS Chapter XI-2: Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security

SOLAS Chapter XI-2 was introduced following heightened global security concerns and establishes mandatory international requirements to protect ships and port facilities from security threats.

Key objectives include:

Preventing unlawful acts against ships and ports
Establishing security responsibilities for governments, shipping companies, and ports
Enhancing communication between States

SOLAS Regulation XI-2/13: Communication of Information

Regulation XI-2/13 requires Contracting Governments to communicate specific security-related information to the IMO.

This includes information necessary for:

Cooperation between States
Identification of security authorities
Implementation and monitoring of the ISPS Code

GISIS is the official IMO platform used to host and disseminate this information.

The ISPS Code

The ISPS Code provides the detailed operational framework for maritime security, covering:

Ship security
Port facility security
Roles of Company Security Officers (CSO), Ship Security Officers (SSO), and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO)

The Maritime Security module in GISIS supports the administrative and information-sharing aspects of ISPS implementation.

What Information Is Available in the Maritime Security Module?

Types of Information Provided

The Maritime Security module typically includes information such as:

Designated maritime security authorities of Member States
Contact details for security focal points
Information on security measures or requirements communicated to IMO
References to national implementation arrangements
Information relevant to international cooperation under the ISPS Code

The exact content depends on what each Member State submits in line with SOLAS XI-2/13.

Who Submits the Information?

Role of IMO Member States

All information in the Maritime Security module is:

Submitted by Contracting Governments to SOLAS
Maintained and updated by national administrations
Communicated through official IMO channels

The IMO acts as a custodian and platform provider, not as the originator of the data.

How to Access the Maritime Security Module in GISIS

Step 1: Enter the GISIS Public Area

Users access GISIS via the IMO website and enter the Public Area, which does not require login for general browsing.

Step 2: Select “Maritime Security”

From the list of GISIS modules, users select “Maritime Security”, as shown on the GISIS main dashboard.

Step 3: Browse or Search Information

Depending on the interface options available, users may:

Browse information by Member State
Access published security contact points
Review security-related notifications submitted under SOLAS XI-2/13

Why the Maritime Security Module Is Important

Enhancing Global Maritime Security Cooperation

Maritime security is inherently international. Ships operate across multiple jurisdictions, and threats do not respect national boundaries.

The GISIS Maritime Security module supports:

Rapid identification of responsible authorities
Clear communication channels between States
Harmonized implementation of security measures

Practical Use Cases of the Maritime Security Module

Flag State Administrations

Flag States use the module to:

Publish official security contact points
Fulfil SOLAS communication obligations
Coordinate with other administrations

Port Authorities and Port Facility Security Officers

Ports rely on accurate security information to:

Verify compliance with ISPS requirements
Communicate with flag and coastal States
Prepare for ships arriving from different security environments

Shipping Companies and CSOs

Company Security Officers use GISIS to:

Identify national security authorities
Support Ship Security Plans
Manage security communications during incidents

Port State Control and Enforcement Bodies

Security-related inspections and verifications are supported by:

Access to official State-provided information
Clear understanding of national security frameworks

Maritime Security and Risk-Based Decision Making

Supporting Security Levels and Measures

Under the ISPS Code, maritime security operates on three security levels:

Security Level 1: Normal
Security Level 2: Heightened
Security Level 3: Exceptional

The Maritime Security module helps stakeholders understand:

National security expectations
Contact points during elevated security levels
Coordination responsibilities

Relationship with Other GISIS Modules

The Maritime Security module complements other GISIS databases, including:

Ship and Company Particulars – identifying ships and operators
Contact Points – broader administrative contacts
Piracy and Armed Robbery – incident reporting
Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic – stowaways and access control

Together, these modules provide a holistic view of maritime security and governance.

Importance for Maritime Safety and Trade Continuity

Protecting Lives and Assets

Effective maritime security protects:

Seafarers and port workers
Passengers
Ships and cargo
Critical port infrastructure

Supporting Global Trade Stability

Security disruptions can:

Delay port operations
Increase insurance costs
Affect supply chains

By improving information sharing, the GISIS Maritime Security module contributes indirectly to economic stability.

Common Misunderstandings About the Maritime Security Module

It Is Not a Real-Time Threat Alert System

The module does not provide live threat warnings or intelligence updates. Its role is regulatory communication, not operational surveillance.

It Does Not Replace National Security Channels

GISIS supports, but does not replace:

Naval coordination systems
Intelligence networks
Emergency response communications

Best Practices for Using the Maritime Security Module

Use it as an official reference source
Combine GISIS information with national and company procedures
Keep awareness of SOLAS and ISPS obligations
Treat the data as authoritative but administrative
Use it for preparation, planning, and compliance, not tactical decisions

Educational Value for Maritime Students and Training Institutions

For maritime education and training, the module provides:

Real-world exposure to IMO security governance
Practical understanding of SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS implementation
Context for security roles such as CSO, SSO, and PFSO

It is particularly useful in courses covering:

Maritime law and conventions
Ship management
Port operations
Maritime risk and security management

Maritime Security in a Changing Threat Landscape

Emerging Challenges

Modern maritime security must also address:

Cybersecurity risks
Hybrid threats
Organized crime networks
Use of ships for illicit trafficking

While GISIS is not a tactical system, accurate administrative security information remains essential for managing these evolving risks.

Future Development of Maritime Security Information in GISIS

As digitalization advances, future improvements may include:

Enhanced data integration with other IMO systems
Improved usability and search functions
Stronger links between security, safety, and environmental data

The Maritime Security module will continue to be a core pillar of IMO’s security information architecture.

Conclusion: A Foundation for International Maritime Security Cooperation

The Maritime Security option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System is a vital tool supporting the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. By providing structured access to security-related information communicated by Member States, it strengthens transparency, coordination, and compliance across the global maritime sector.

While it is not an operational security system, its value lies in official communication, regulatory clarity, and international cooperation. For administrations, port authorities, shipping companies, maritime professionals, students, and researchers, understanding how to use this module is essential for navigating the modern maritime security framework.

In an industry where security, safety, and trade are deeply interconnected, the GISIS Maritime Security module stands as a quiet but powerful enabler of safer ships, more secure ports, and more resilient global shipping.

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