Best Practice No. 1 - Use of Checklists
The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiative requires companies "conduct periodic spot-checks to ensure that all procedures are being performed." At COSCO, one way we do this is through the use of checklists which have been written with C-TPAT and other guidelines as appropriate in mind.As a shipping line, our most obvious concern is the security of our vessels. Specifically, Access Control and Conveyance Security, as described in C-TPAT, have to maintained to prevent the introduction of unwanted or illegal materials on board ship. Our COSCO Vessel Access Controls & Conveyance Security Spotcheck is used to inspect our vessels.
Among the areas under Access Control, our checklist examines: the presence of a gangway watch; ensuring the gangway watch has access to ready communications; having procedures in place so as to respond to emergencies; challenging visitors and requiring showing of positive identification; and access to emergency phone numbers in North American ports of call.
Similarly, among the areas under Conveyance Security, our checklist requires: examination of internal inspection areas, internal/external compartments; verifying that ship is inspected for stowaways, drugs, suspicious packages and smells; and reviewing shipboard training program.
The US Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code have codified ship requirements at varying MARSEC levels. As we approached the deadline for MTSA/ISPS implementation, our checklist verified ship's readiness. Additionally, our checklist has a few questions dedicated to the area checking the security of the terminal at which the ship is calling. We manage the checklists, ensuring that each vessel has been visited. When a new ship enters North American service, it is visited by someone with a checklist in hand.
In addition to checking vessels, we use checklists for verifying our designated inland depots and office facilities. Checklists do not make a security program but help ensure that your security program is doing what you want it to do.
Contact our Security Committee at ctpatusa@cosco-usa.com or call Mr. Howard Finkel, 201-422-8937.
V.5 (2007 Feb 15)