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Slide 1 · AN OVERVIEW
AN OVERVIEW
OF SHIP
SECURITY
INSPECTIONS
UNDERSTANDING "CLEAR GROUNDS"
UNDER SOLAS CHAPTER XI-2
& ISPS CODE PART A
SOLAS
XI-2
ISPS
CODE
PART A
Slide 2 · CLEAR GROUNDS
CLEAR GROUNDS:
THE TRIGGER FOR
FURTHER INSPECTION
ISSC
Clear grounds exist when a
Port State Control Officer has
evidence or reliable information
suggesting a ship may not comply
with:
SOLAS Chapter XI–2
ISPS Code Part A
Clear grounds do NOT
automatically mean detention.
They justify a more detailed
security inspection.
THE PROCESS FLOW
POTENTIAL
CONCERN
CLEAR
GROUNDS
IDENTIFIED
DETAILED
SECURITY
INSPECTION
COMPLIANCE
VERIFIED OR
DEFICIENCY
CONFIRMED
APPROPRIATE
ACTION
TAKEN
Slide 3 · EXAMPLES THAT MAY
EXAMPLES THAT MAY
TRIGGER FURTHER INSPECTION
The following are illustrative situations that may constitute clear grounds
for a more detailed security inspection.
1. ISSC VERIFICATION
CONCERNS
Expired or invalid ISSC
Missing or incomplete security
certificates
Interim ISSC arrangements
warranting further verification
Discrepancies in certification
details
2. SECURITY EQUIPMENT
& DOCUMENTATION
CONCERNS
SSAS inoperative or not tested
Ship Security Plan incomplete
or not available
Access control procedures
not effectively implemented
Security records incomplete
or inconsistent
3. CREW AWARENESS
& TRAINING
CONCERNS
Crew unfamiliar with security
procedures
Unclear roles and responsibilities
during security incidents
Inadequate drills or records
of security exercises
Crew unable to contact key
security personnel
4. PORT SECURITY
INTERFACE
CONCERNS
Concerns regarding previous
port security arrangements
Embarked persons or stores
from areas with security concerns
Declaration of Security (DoS)
verification required
These situations do not imply non-compliance.
They are reasons to look deeper.
Slide 4 · FROM INSPECTION
FROM INSPECTION
TO DETENTION
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Clear grounds lead to inspection.
Detention occurs only when serious deficiencies are confirmed.
1
CLEAR GROUNDS
Evidence or information suggests
possible non-compliance.
2
MORE DETAILED
SECURITY INSPECTION
Port State Control Officer conducts
a thorough inspection.
3
SERIOUS DEFICIENCY
CONFIRMED
Inspection confirms significant
non-compliance.
4
CONTROL MEASURES
CONSIDERED
Appropriate actions to mitigate
security risks.
5
DETENTION / RESTRICTION /
DENIAL OF ENTRY
Applied when the ship poses
a security risk.
EXAMPLES OF SERIOUS
SECURITY DEFICIENCIES
No valid ISSC
(expired and no renewal
arranged)
Ship Security Alert
System (SSAS)
inoperative or altered
Ship Security Plan (SSP)
missing or cannot be
implemented
Uncontrolled access to
restricted areas
(e.g., engine room
left open)
Crew unfamiliar with
security procedures
and responsibilities
KEY TAKEAWAY
Clear grounds are
the starting point.
Detention happens only
if inspection confirms
serious security
deficiencies.
SOURCES
SOLAS
Chapter XI-2
Regulation 9
ISPS CODE
Part A
MSC.1/Circ.1111
Guidance Relating to the
Implementation of SOLAS
Chapter XI-2 and the
ISPS Code
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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