1. INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL FOR EXECUTIVES
Indonesia Port Security: International Standards for Success
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
By Scott M. Bernat, Special Agent U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Indonesia, rich in natural and man-made resources, is dependent on its port and maritime industry to
advance its economic interests and attract business development. The safety and security of
Indonesia’s ports and maritime infrastructure remains paramount to achieving success as a leader in
world trade. Destination countries need to be assured that maritime assets and associated cargo from
Indonesia have been subjected to the highest security standards possible. Indonesia expects no less a
commitment to security from countries involved in exporting goods and products there. The
International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquartered in London, England sets the standard for
improving and maintaining the safety and security of international shipping and associated facilities.
Worldwide adherence to IMO standards ensures mutual safety and security standards are met,
increases confidence in commercial trade and promotes business opportunity and growth.
Challenges
The criminal and terrorist threat to ports and the maritime supply chain remains a global constant and
is routinely highlighted in the media. Corruption serves to fuel the fire and raises serious questions
regarding the overall integrity of even the best security plan. Piracy, in its current form is arguably
nothing more than criminal activity, spurring the public imagination and ultimately interfering with the
free flow and confidence of maritime trade. In many locations throughout the world, poverty and/or
greed drives some company and facility insiders to link with outside criminal elements to further
breakdown security efforts. Routine reports of container break-ins, as well as the theft of whole
containers, continue to highlight the justification behind the adoption, implementation and
maintenance of internationally recognized security standards. A cost effective security program begins
with a clear understanding of the threat faced and the application of tailored and focused security
practices and procedures.

2. IMO / ISPS Code
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the IMO promulgated a set of standards and
procedures to address and promote the global need for port and maritime security. These standards,
known as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, were specifically designed,
based on existing local threat conditions and environment, to enhance security practices and
procedures for and between ships and port facilities involved in international trade. These include the
routine conduct of ship and port security exercises and the partnering of private and government
entities to ensure the sharing of threat information and security best practices. The ISPS Code utilizes
sound risk management concepts to effectively address and mitigate potential threats to ships and
ports, thereby protecting against potential criminal and terrorist threats. A ship or port facility
adhering to the ISPS Code highlights a commitment to security excellence and is often awarded
preferred treatment by the international community. Preferential action includes decreased port
entry/exit delays for both ships and cargo.
ISO 28000
An integral part of maritime trade confidence is the establishment, application and management of
effective supply chain security procedures. In 2007, the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) published a series of supply chain security management standards. These standards, known
collectively as ISO 28000, establish security best practices and procedures to protect against potential
threats to the safety and security of the supply transportation and logistics system. Ships and port
facilities are essential components of the international supply chain and their successful operations
remain dependent on sound supply chain practices.
Resources
Resources are available to assist countries, companies and facilities with a vested interest and/or
involved in international maritime trade, to develop, establish and maintain an effective security
program. These include both private companies involved in fee-based ISPS Code and ISO 28000
standards training, as well as governmental organizations that provide similar services at no cost,
dependent on eligibility. The US Coast Guard (USCG) International Port Security Program focuses on
worldwide maritime trading nations and the implementation of the ISPS Code. The USCG International
Training Division offers port safety and security training, often partnering with the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Organization of American States (OAS) to provide port security
subject matter experts familiar with the various port operating environments. The US Naval Criminal
Investigative Service (NCIS), through its Security Training, Assistance and Assessment Teams
(STAAT), also provides port and facility security training, primarily focusing on locations and facilities
frequented by and/or contracted with the US Navy.

3. Conclusion
Indonesia’s maritime trade and economic growth depend heavily on its ability to secure and protect
the supply chain and associated ship and port facilities. The fast-paced maritime commercial shipping
industry, focused on the import and export of in-demand commodities, requires high confidence in the
safety and security of its operations. The uninterrupted ability of a ship to deliver and a port to clear
and account for discharged cargo is critical to this success and remains reliant on the successful
implementation of ISPS Code and ISO 28000 standards.
References
IMO / ISPS Code Information | Website: http://www.imo.org
ISO 28000 Information | Website: http://www.iso.org
USCG International Port Security Program: The Maritime Security Help Desk | Website:
http://homeport.uscg.mil | Navigate to the IPS Program Tab
US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) | Website: http://www.ncis.navy.mil
British Ship photo - AMCHAM at: www.belgian-navy.be
*****
Scott M. Bernat is a civilian Special Agent of the US Naval Criminal Investigative
Service (NCIS), currently assigned to the US Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia Force
Protection Detachment as the Resident Agent in Charge and Chief of US Military
Security. During his 22 year career, he has worked as a security professional
throughout Asia, Australia/Oceania, Central America, Europe, Middle East and the
United States. He is a recognized expert in Maritime and Port Security.