Designated security duties: access control, searches and security equipment (STCW A-VI/6-2)

5 lessons

No notes

Law and watchkeeping≈ 4 min read

Controlling access to the ship

1The lesson in plain words

In one sentence

The gangway is the ship's front door. On designated security duty, you decide who comes aboard, and you check every person, every time.

Your duties

If the ship security plan (SSP) gives you designated security duties, such as gangway watch, searches or patrols, STCW regulation VI/6 requires training to table A-VI/6-2, on top of security awareness. You keep the measures of the plan working under the ship security officer (SSO). The practical exercises, such as searches and equipment checks, are done in your approved course.

Every access point

Access control covers every way on board: the gangway, accommodation ladder, pilot ladder, ramps, mooring lines, anchor chain and the side away from the quay. Unused access points are closed, locked or watched. The gangway watch stays at the gangway, with a radio, until relieved.

Checking people

Check photo ID against the person’s face. Confirm their reason for boarding against the crew list, visitor list, work order or an officer’s confirmation. Visitors sign the visitor log (name, company, purpose, times in and out), wear a numbered visitor pass and are escorted or met as the plan says. Returning crew show their pass or ID too. Refuse anyone who cannot prove who they are and why they came; call the officer of the watch (OOW).

Higher levels

At level 2 the plan may limit access points, require escorts for all visitors and increase searches. At level 3 access may be limited to one controlled point and only to people responding to the threat.

Ship and port

When the ship and a port facility, or another ship, need to agree who does which security task, they may sign a Declaration of Security (DoS). The SSO handles it, but it may change what you check at the gangway.

2Step by step

At the gangway, for every visitor

1
Stop the person at the gangway head and greet them politely.
Nobody walks aboard unchecked; courtesy keeps the check calm.
2
Check their photo identity and the reason for the visit against the expected-visitor list or a work order.
A valid ID alone does not prove the person has business on board.
3
Search or screen them and their bags as the plan requires for the current level.
Weapons, drugs or devices must not pass the access point.
4
Record them in the visitor log and issue a numbered pass.
The log shows who is on board at any time, which matters in an emergency.
5
Arrange the escort or call the person they are visiting.
Visitors must not wander into restricted areas.
6
At departure, collect the pass and log the time out.
A missing pass or open entry means someone may still be on board.

3Key data

STCW training: Regulation VI/6; Code table A-VI/6-2
Visitor log: Name, company, purpose, pass number, time in and out
Level 3 access: May be limited to a single controlled access point
Level 1 access: Routine identity, visit, log, pass and escort checks under the plan

4Key points

1
Control every access point, including ladders, ramps, mooring lines and the offshore side.
2
Check identity and the reason for the visit; a valid ID alone is not enough.
3
Log each visitor, issue a pass, arrange an escort or reception as the SSP requires, and log departure.
4
Refuse anyone who cannot prove who they are and why they are there; call the OOW.
5
Apply the SSP’s extra access controls at levels 2 and 3.

5Frequent mistakes

Wrong: A person in a company uniform does not need to be checked.
Right: Uniforms can be bought or stolen. Check the ID and the reason for the visit of everyone.
Wrong: Crew members can always walk on board without showing anything.
Right: Crew returning from shore also show their ID or ship's pass, as the plan requires.

6Practice case & exam keys

Situation

You are on gangway watch at level 1. A man says he is from a radar service company, called by the second officer. He has a company ID card but no work order, and the expected-visitor list is empty.

Show the answer

Keep him at the gangway head. Call the officer of the watch or the second officer by radio to confirm he is expected. If they confirm, check his ID against his face, search or screen his tool bag as the plan requires, log him, give him a pass and arrange an escort. If nobody expects him, refuse boarding politely and report it.

Exam keys

STCW VI/6 and table A-VI/6-2 for designated security duties.
Control all access points; check identity and reason for every visit.
Visitor log, numbered pass, escort or reception as the SSP requires, log out.
Declaration of Security: ship and port (or ship) agree security tasks.

Finish this unit

When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.

My notes for this unit

No notes