Assessment of ISPS code compliance at ports using cognitive maps

International ship and port facility security (ISPS) Codewas developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an execution framework to ensure high level of security measures applicable to ships and port facilities. Besides contributions of ISPS Code towards security improvement, additional bureaucracy (i.e. documentation, certification, training, expenses etc.) and serious shortfalls have appeared during implementation process. This paper explores the ISPS Code practice at ports based on cognitive mapping approach. The outcomes of this research can be proposed to international maritime authorities in order to enhance the existing concept and regulatory compliances of the ISPS Code in respect to industrial feedback.