The effect on the cruise industry was dramatic and as a result the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) of the United Nations was tasked to produce an international standard of security for passenger ships.  Ferries were not included at the time.  A Security Resolution was adopted by the IMO in 1986 and this has been followed by a series of maritime security legislation enacted by the USA, UK and Canada. 

In 1996 IMS was commisioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) to prepare the model generic Ship Security Plan (SSP) for all its members. This was accepted as the industry standard by the US Coast Guard.