The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) represents a significant change for the international maritime community in its approach to security, bringing together shipboard and port security to provide better protection for people, ships, cargoes and port infrastructure.

The Port of Felixstowe Port Security Plan outlines the procedures required to meet the standards set and monitored by TRANSEC, the Transport Security Division of the Department for Transport who have responsibility for implementing the ISPS Code in UK ports and ships.

The established Port Police Unit, supplemented by Contract Security Officers, provide comprehensive security services in support of the enhanced security measures. Stricter access control and identification requirements, increased searching of personnel and cargo, continuous patrolling and monitoring of the port estate and seaward approaches are just some of the many additional security measures which have been introduced.

As well as physical security measures the ISPS Code also defines a Security Management System. It is essential in the present climate that security is embedded in the culture of the port. Security is now as relevant to the whole workforce in everyday operations as safety and quality. Regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders, regular communications and poster campaigns are all part of increasing security awareness in the changed world post 9/11.

PORT POLICE UNIT

The Port Police Unit is a statutory police force committed to the prevention, detection and investigation of crime and any suspicious activity across the dock estate, working closely with other agencies and organisations to make the Port of Felixstowe a safe and secure environment for workers, customers and visitors alike. The Port Police Unit will continue to provide the port and its customers with an immediate response to calls for assistance or advice on security and related issues 4 hours a day.

FIRE AND AMBULANCE

A team of fully trained fire and ambulance personnel is immediately available in the case of fire, accident, chemical emergency or other incidents on the Port requiring specialised attention. Assistance can be summoned immediately by dialling 4300 on the Port internal telephone system. A team of full-time officers and men are on duty at the Port Fire Station 24 hours a day and a ‘paging’ system is operated to summon supporting members of the fire and ambulance service, if required, when an emergency arises.

Two fire appliances, fully equipped with rescue equipment including heavy-duty cutters and if necessary a bulk foam facility with a chemical response vehicle, are all maintained for immediate use. They are all manned by personnel trained in fire fighting, advanced life-support, rescue and hazardous chemical procedures. Two fully equipped ambulances are ready for immediate use in the event of accidents involving personal injury, each vehicle carrying up-to-date life-support equipment and a crew of qualified ambulance personnel.

Environmental incident first response equipment including oil booms and a 2,000 gallon vacuum suction tank is available in the event of oil or chemical spillage in the harbour or dyke systems.

A training facility also exists for company and non-company employees in fire protection and prevention and in dealing with small fires. Sessions are run on a regular basis.

DANGEROUS GOODS CENTRE

Under the auspices of the Safety Department, the Dangerous Goods Centre (DGC) oversees the movement of hazardous cargo through the Port. This ensures that cargo is safe, handled without risks to health and that the requirements of The Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code are met. In the rare event of spillage, a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser is available at all times to give advice, working closely with emergency teams to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Notification of all dangerous goods to pass through the Port must be made to the Centre, with written Prior Approval and special data required for explosive and radioactive cargoes. Notification for all import hazardous cargoes are made electronically through the Destin8 Dangerous Goods Reporting Systems. Remain On Board dangerous goods cargoes must also be reported and may also be notified through Destin8.

The Destin8 system is being continuously enhanced to ensure that dangerous goods notification services offered to customers are equal and compatible with those available in other major ports and meet EU legislation and customer requirements.

The Port, together with MCP (operator of Destin8) is consulting with government bodies on extending Destin8 facilities to enable convenient reporting to national Competent Authorities of data regarding vessel movements, dangerous goods cargo and ship-generated waste disposal, to comply with current and future legislation.

Dangerous goods notifications made electronically through the Destin8 system are relayed automatically to Harwich Haven Authority and are free of charge.

For information or a copy of our Customer Guide to Procedures for Handling Dangerous Goods, Tel: 01394 604732/4532 Fax: 01394 604873.

SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Safety Managers are available from 0800 hours to 1800 hours daily and are ‘on call’ outside of these hours via the Port Fire & Ambulance Service.

This service is available to Port management, employees and customers alike and advice can be given on current UK, European and International fire, health, safety and environmental legislation.

A wide range of environmental monitoring is carried out in the workplace and sampling analysis for gases, chemicals, noise, radioactivity, exhaust ventilation systems and lighting can all be undertaken.

Routine safety inspections, tours, job task safety analysis, risk assessment and accident investigations are all performed, in addition to safety training for Port personnel to increase safety awareness, reducing accidents and loss.

These services are available by contacting (01394) 604726/8 or the Port Fire & Ambulance Service on (01394) 604731 for urgent matters out of hours.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

The Occupational Health Department offers a comprehensive and confidential health service, covering all aspects of health screening and welfare problems. It includes counselling and physiotherapy services.

All services, apart from the physiotherapy service, are available to other companies within the Port. A list of charges is available on request.

All emergency and first aid services provided by both Occupational Health and Fire/Ambulance Departments are free to everyone.

For further information telephone: (01394) 604742/Internal 4742

FITNESS STUDIO

The Occupational Health Department offers a fully equipped and professionally staffed fitness studio.

The studio is available to all Port of Felixstowe employees and port users – prices are available on request. It is open from 0630 hours - 2130 hours, seven days a week. For further information contact (01394) 602726/InternaI 2726.