ISPS Gangway Watchmen
A member recently reported possible breaches in ISPS gangway inspections, where the shore watchmen allowed Port State Control (PSC) inspectors to go on board the ship without notifying the ship's officers, on the basis that the watchmen knew the inspectors. This could have potentially led to a fine from the PSC, and they could also require the Classification Society to resurvey the ship.
Whilst the shore security guards are employed to assist ship's staff, their presence on board does not relieve the ship's staff from their ISPS responsibilities. The shore gangway watchmen should be given clear instructions about what they are expected to do, and the duty officer should periodically check that these instructions are being carried out. All visitors should be recorded in the security log, and should be escorted by a member of the ship's crew when on board.