NOL containership complies with new IMO security code

NOL containership complies with new IMO security code    The container ship “Jurong Bebaru,” managed by a subsidiary of Neptune Orient Lines, has become the first ship in Singapore to be certified in compliance with the new International Ship and Port Facility Security code of the International Maritime Organisation.
   The vessel was certified 10 months ahead of the code’s implementation deadline of July 1, 2004 set by the IMO and national maritime authorities.
   The IMO code requires vessels to have an approved “shipboard security plan,” a shore-based “company security officer” and a ship-based “ship security officer.”
   The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has urged all shipowners and companies to take early steps to prepare for compliance.    “Early compliance will prevent any possible bottlenecks as we approach the July 1, 2004 deadline,” a spokesman for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said.