Oman has taken a significant step in enhancing its maritime security framework with the recent enactment of the Ship and Port Security Regulation under Ministerial Decision No. 423/2024 (SPSR), as introduced by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT). This regulation supersedes the previous Ship and Port Facility Security Regulation of 2016 and is based on Maritime Law No. 19/2023.
The SPSR establishes a comprehensive set of measures and procedures designed to safeguard ships, port facilities and maritime operations (including protection for individuals and goods from security risks), ensuring alignment with international security standards such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The SPSR applies to both commercial and industrial ports and vessels engaged in international voyages. By introducing robust security measures, clearly defined responsibilities and stringent compliance requirements, the SPSR is expected to strengthen the resilience of Oman’s maritime sector and its position as a key player in global maritime trade.
This article outlines some of the key takeaways of the SPSR and highlights the implications for ships, port facilities and maritime operations in Oman.
Establishment of Security Levels and Plans
The SPSR introduces a tiered security system with three levels to address varying maritime threats:
- Level 1 mandates the implementation of baseline protective measures, which must be maintained at all times.
- Level 2 introduces heightened measures in response to increased security risks.
- Level 3 enforces exceptional security responses when an incident is imminent or ongoing.
A critical aspect of the SPSR is the requirement for ships and ports to develop and regularly update tailored security plans, which must be approved by the Maritime Authority or a licensed security entity, ensuring alignment with international best practices, such as:
- The Ship Security Plan (SSP) which outlines specific measures to control access, secure restricted areas and responses to threats onboard vessels.
- The Port Security Plan (PSP) which is designed to address the unique security challenges of port facilities, including facility surveillance, entry control and emergency response measures.
To implement these security plans effectively, the SPSR designates specific roles and responsibilities as well emphasising a collaborative approach between relevant personnel. For example, the Ship Security Officer oversees the SSP on vessels, coordinating closely with the Company Security Officer and Port Security Officer. The Port Security Officer is tasked with executing and updating the PSP at the port level. A National Port Security Officer ensures consistency across all ports and serves as a liaison with the Maritime Authority.
Inspection and Certification Procedures
The SPSR introduces rigorous inspection and certification requirements to ensure compliance with its provisions. Ships are subject to multiple inspections throughout their operational lifecycle. Initial inspections are conducted before a vessel enters service to verify compliance with the SSP and international security standards. Annual and intermediate inspections are carried out to confirm ongoing adherence to security requirements, while renewal inspections will be conducted every five years to ensure the validity of the International Ship Security Compliance Certificate (ISSCC). Ships that fail to meet these requirements may face significant penalties, including fines, denial of port access, or detention as noted below.
Port facilities are also subject to regular inspections by the Maritime Authority, which may be scheduled or unscheduled. These inspections verify adherence to the PSP and identify potential vulnerabilities. Ports that meet the required security standards are awarded the International Port Security Compliance Certificate (IPSCC), valid for up to five years.
Governance, Confidentiality and Penalties
The SPSR establishes a robust governance framework led by the Main Committee for Ship and Port Security, chaired by the Director General of Maritime Affairs. This committee oversees the implementation of the SPSR, coordinates responses to security threats and recommends necessary updates to security plans in order to remain relevant and effective in addressing emerging maritime security challenges.. The formation of security committees at both national and local levels are aimed to ensure effective collaboration between relevant entities
The SPSR also sets out strict provisions to protect sensitive security information. Individuals with access to such confidential information, including committee members, maritime personnel, and auditors, are prohibited from disclosing it without authorization. Violations of these provisions are punishable by imprisonment for a period of three months to three years and fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 Omani Rials. However, limited exceptions for disclosure are allowed when performing official duties, upon authorization by the Maritime Authority, or as required by law or a judicial order.
To enforce compliance, the SPSR empowers the Maritime Authority to impose penalties for violations. Administrative fines range from 1,000 to 10,000 Omani Rials, depending on the severity of the breach. More serious violations may result in the suspension or cancellation of security certificates, effectively barring non-compliant ships or ports from operating.
Conclusion
The SPSR represents a significant advancement in Oman’s efforts to enhance maritime security. For vessels and ports, the SPSR provides an additional layer of protection against security threats which are aimed at ensuring resilience, accountability and continuity in an increasingly complex and evolving security environment. The new inspection and certification processes aligns Oman’s practices with international standards, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner in global maritime trade.
Next Steps
For stakeholders, the SPSR necessitates comprehensive preparation, including the development of detailed security plans with sophisticated risk assessments, regular personnel training and advanced monitoring systems in order to adhere to the certification requirements. Ship operators, port authorities and other maritime stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the SPSR to ensure compliance and particularly to avoid any penalties. The Maritime Authority is expected to issue implementing regulations in the coming months to clarify operational details and enforcement mechanisms.
For further guidance on how the SPSR may impact your operations, please consult our experts in maritime law for tailored legal advice and support.
This article was prepared with the assistance of Ahmed Al Wahaibi, trainee in CMS Oman.
Social Media cookies collect information about you sharing information from our website via social media tools, or analytics to understand your browsing between social media tools or our Social Media campaigns and our own websites. We do this to optimise the mix of channels to provide you with our content. Details concerning the tools in use are in our Privacy Notice.