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

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Law and watchkeeping≈ 3 min read

Security drills, exercises, reports and records

1The lesson in plain words

In one sentence

Drills keep the plan alive, reports bring problems to the SSO, and records prove what was done. Each one is part of your designated duties.

Drills

A security drill tests one part of the plan on board, such as a search, an intruder on deck, a bomb threat or a change of security level. The ISPS Code (Part B, paragraph 13.6) says drills should be held at least once every three months. If more than 25 % of the crew are replaced by people who have not drilled on this ship in the past three months, a drill should follow within one week. The EU and many flag states make this mandatory.

Exercises

A security exercise is bigger and may involve the company, port facilities and authorities, through practical activity or a tabletop exercise (a discussion of a scenario). It should be held at least once each calendar year, with no more than 18 months between exercises (Part B, paragraph 13.7).

What you report

Report to the SSO, or to the officer of the watch who passes it on: any security breach (such as an intruder), an unattended door that should be secured, suspicious people, items or boats, threats received, faulty security equipment, and anything that looks like tampering. Report at once, say what, where, when and who, and write it down when asked.

Security records

Under ISPS Part A, section 10, the ship keeps records of training, drills and exercises; security threats and incidents; breaches; changes of security level; communications about specific threats; audits and reviews; and the maintenance, calibration and testing of security equipment, including the SSAS. Keep records as long as the flag state (the ship’s country of registration) requires. Use the ship’s working language or languages. If none is English, French or Spanish, include a translation into one of them. Share records and plan details only with authorised recipients through approved channels.

2Key data

Security drills (ISPS B/13.6): At least once every three months
Over 25 % replaced by crew not drilled here in past three months: Drill within one week
Exercises (ISPS B/13.7): Once each calendar year, no more than 18 months apart
Records (ISPS A/10): Drills, incidents, breaches, levels, equipment tests

3Key points

1
Drills at least every three months (ISPS B/13.6).
2
If over 25 % are replaced by crew not drilled on this ship in the past three months, hold a drill within one week.
3
Exercises once each calendar year, no more than 18 months apart.
4
Report breaches, threats, suspicious activity and equipment faults to the SSO at once.
5
Security records are kept as the flag state sets and are confidential.

4Frequent mistakes

Wrong: Write down drills as done even if they were cancelled, so the records look complete.
Right: False security records break the rules and hide gaps. Record only what really took place.
Wrong: An unsecured restricted-area door needs no report once you lock it.
Right: An unexpectedly unsecured restricted door may indicate a breach. Report it so the SSO can check and record it.

5Practice case & exam keys

Situation

Your ship's last security drill was six weeks ago. In port, nine of the 24 crew sign off and are replaced by seafarers new to the ship. The SSO plans the next drill for six weeks later.

Show the answer

Nine of 24 is about 37 %, more than 25 %, and the new crew have not drilled on this ship in the last three months. ISPS B/13.6 calls for a drill within one week of the change. Remind the SSO politely, so the new crew learn the ship's security procedures early. The drill and the crew change are recorded.

Exam keys

ISPS B/13.6 recommends drills at least every three months; within a week if over 25 % are replaced by crew who have not drilled on this ship in the past three months. Follow applicable mandatory requirements.
ISPS B/13.7 recommends exercises once each calendar year, no more than 18 months apart; follow applicable mandatory requirements.
Report breaches, threats, suspicious activity and faults to the SSO.
ISPS A/10 records: drills, incidents, breaches, levels, equipment tests; kept confidential.

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.

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