Background Screening

Background screening is the vetting of personnel for identity, employment history, and criminal or security records before granting access to a ship or port facility. ISPS Code Part A Sections 8.3 and 15.3 require the ship and facility security assessments to consider procedures for verifying the identity of persons seeking access. Part B paragraphs 8.5 and 15.11 recommend checking the credentials of crew, contractors, and visitors. Seafarer identity documents under ILO Convention No. 185 support this. Screening underpins access control and insider-threat reduction at all MARSEC levels.