First Bahamas Flag VLCC Awarded ISSC From ABS

The diversified international shipping group TESMA (Tschudi & Eitzen Ship Management Alliance) with its network of alliance partners servicing more than 80 vessels with full technical management and crew management support has become the latest organization to seek ABS certification and issuance of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) to conform to the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPS Code). The ABS classed, Bahamas flagged 284,504dwt VLCC "SAMCO" managed by TESMA Singapore Pte. Ltd was successfully audited to the requirements of ISPS Code Part A & B. According to Capt. Hemant Juneja, ABS Pacific Division Head for Safety, Environment & Security Certification, TESMA has joined the ranks of proactive operators demonstrating security compliance well in advance of the July 2004 implementation date. “Our message is reaching industry,” he said “operators shouldn’t wait until weeks before the date.” TESMA’s Singapore Pte Ltd Managing Director Ashok Sabnis accepted the ISSC saying they looked to ABS because of its recognition as a leader in the area of ship security compliance and its understanding of the complexities of the ISPS Code requirements. ABS is authorized as a RSO to perform verification audits for compliance with the ISPS Code and to issue International Ship Security Certificates on behalf of 26 flag Administrations. It has applied to all leading flag Administrations worldwide to act on their behalf. ABS was the first classification society to issue guidance on meeting the ship security code and has distributed thousands of the first edition of the ABS Guide for Ship Security in response to industry demands. The second edition is now available in print and in CD version. It can also be downloaded from the ABS web site.