This code of practice is not a legally binding instrument and is not intended to replace national laws and regulations. It is not intended to affect the fundamental principles and rights of workers provided by ILO instruments or the facilitation of workers’ organizations’ access to ports, terminals and vessels.

The practical recommendations contained in this code have been designed to provide guidance to all those responsible for addressing the issue of security in ports. This code will assist in the identification of the roles and responsibilities of governments, employers and workers. The code provides a proactive approach to security in ports and follows, where practicable, the practice and principles identified in SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.