Annual General Assembly 2007 - Dalian

Project Session 1

The Maritime Security Management System - Perceptions of the International Shipping Community

Devinder Grewal & Vinh V. Thai - Department of Maritime and Logistics Management Australian Maritime College, Australia

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the findings of a research project on the Maritime Security Management System (MSMS) conducted at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in 2005-2006. The main objectives of this study are to identify key shore-based and near shore activities associated with maritime operations that are currently not covered by the ISPS Code and players involved in these activities; to explore and analyse important relationships among them which can affect the management of security; to investigate the key criteria of a good/effective security management system; to explore the perceived effectiveness of some major aspects of security activities in a MSMS; and to identify the perceived importance of essential elements in a MSMS. Based on this identification and analysis, essential inputs which should be included in the curriculum of maritime universities and training institutions are proposed. This study applies a two-stage methodological approach, in which a focus group discussion is utilised first to explore the initial ideas from maritime experts, followed by a mail survey to reflect the perceptions of the international shipping community. The findings of this study provide essential insights to the formulation of such a global Maritime Security Management System for the sake of safer and more efficient maritime transport.

Keywords: maritime security management system; security culture; shore-based activities; security relationships; security elements; security education and training

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