Declarations of security, records and the security alert system
1The lesson in plain words
A declaration of security assigns responsibilities between ships or between ship and port. Records document security work and are kept as the flag requires.
Declaration of security
A declaration of security (DoS) is an agreement between the ship and the port facility, or another ship, on the security measures each will take. It is signed for the ship by the master or the SSO, and for the port by the PFSO or the person responsible for shore security. It lists the activities, the security level and who is responsible for each measure.
When a DoS is needed
The government decides when a port facility needs one. The ship may ask for one when: it is at a higher security level than the port facility or other ship; there is an agreement on DoS between governments; there has been a security threat or incident; the port is not required to have an approved port facility plan; or it does a ship-to-ship activity with a ship that has no approved SSP.
Keeping DoS and port-call information
The flag sets the minimum DoS retention period. Separately, SOLAS XI-2/9.2.3 requires security-information records for the last 10 calls at port facilities. These include security levels, special or additional measures in those ports, and security procedures during ship-to-ship activities. Keep supporting DoS where needed to substantiate those records. A port state may request this information before entry.
Records under ISPS A/10
Record training, drills and exercises; threats, incidents and breaches; level changes; direct security communications; internal audits and reviews; SSA and SSP reviews; plan amendments; and security equipment maintenance, calibration and testing, including SSAS tests. Keep records on board for the flag's minimum period. Use the working language; if it is not English, French or Spanish, include a translation into one of them. Protect records against unauthorised access or disclosure, and electronic records against deletion, destruction or amendment.
The SSAS in one line
The ship security alert system (SSAS), under SOLAS XI-2/6, sends a covert alert ashore identifying the ship and her position, with no alarm on board, from at least two activation points, one on the bridge; how it is tested is in Designated security duties.
2Key data
- DoS signed by
- Master or SSO for the ship; PFSO or shore security for the port
- DoS kept
- For the period the flag specifies (ISPS A/5)
- Last port calls
- Keep security information for the last 10 port-facility calls
- Records
- ISPS A/10; kept for the period set by the flag
- SSAS
- SOLAS XI-2/6: covert alert; two activation points, one on bridge
3Key points
- 1
A DoS is signed by the master or SSO and the PFSO or other ship.
- 2
Ask for a DoS when your ship is at a higher security level than the port.
- 3
Keep DoS and records for the period your flag sets.
- 4
Keep security information for the last 10 port-facility calls, alongside flag-set DoS retention.
- 5
ISPS A/10 lists the security records you must keep.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A DoS is needed at every port call.
Right: It is needed when the government requires it or when the ship asks in the listed cases, such as a higher security level.
Wrong: Security records may be thrown away after each voyage.
Right: Keep them for the period set by the flag, and protect them from unauthorised access.
5Practice case & exam keys
Your flag raises your ship to security level 2 while you are alongside a port facility at level 1. The PFSO says nothing has changed for them. What do you do as SSO?
Show the answer
Apply level 2 measures on board at once. Tell the PFSO and ask for a declaration of security, since the ship is at a higher level than the port. Agree who does what: access control, monitoring and cargo checks. Sign it for the ship as SSO or have the master sign. Record the change of level, the DoS and the communications.
Exam keys
- DoS: ship and port facility, or ship and ship; signed by master or SSO.
- A ship may request a DoS: higher security level than the port facility or other ship; government agreement; relevant threat or incident; port facility not required to have an approved plan; activity with another ship without an approved SSP.
- Records list in ISPS A/10; DoS and records kept as the flag specifies.
- SSAS: SOLAS XI-2/6, covert, two activation points.
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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