Since the entry into force of Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention on July 1, 2004, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has formed the basis of a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping.
The ISPS code was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States of America. Its content establishes measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism that could endanger the integrity of passengers and crew, as well as threaten the security of ships and port facilities.