The ship security officer: qualification and duties
1The lesson in plain words
You manage shipboard security under the master and coordinate with the company security officer (CSO). You need an STCW VI/5 certificate of proficiency.
Who the SSO is
Every ship under the ISPS Code, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, has a ship security officer (SSO). The company names this person, who is accountable to the master. The SSO works with the company security officer (CSO), the person ashore responsible for the security of the company's ships, and with the port facility security officer (PFSO) who manages the facility's security and coordinates with visiting ships. On many ships the chief mate or master is the SSO.
The STCW certificate
To be SSO you need a certificate of proficiency under STCW regulation VI/5. You must have approved seagoing service of at least 12 months, or appropriate seagoing service and knowledge of ship operations, and pass approved training to the standard in table A-VI/5. This qualification goes beyond security awareness and designated-security-duties training.
Duties under ISPS A/12
The SSO must: carry out regular security inspections; maintain and supervise the ship security plan (SSP); coordinate the security of cargo and stores with the crew and the PFSO; propose changes to the plan; and report deficiencies found in audits, reviews, inspections and verifications to the CSO, then put corrective actions in place.
More duties
You build awareness, arrange training, report incidents, coordinate the SSP with the CSO and PFSO, and ensure equipment is operated, tested, calibrated and maintained. Under SOLAS XI-2/8, the master decides on safety and security. If requirements conflict, prioritise safety, apply temporary security measures, and immediately inform the flag and, when applicable, the port government.
Where the rest lives
Security levels, threats and reporting are in Security awareness. Access control, searches and patrols are in Designated security duties. This unit covers the planning, records and checks that the SSO owns.
2Key data
- Certificate
- STCW regulation VI/5; competence table A-VI/5
- Sea service
- At least 12 months, or appropriate service and ship knowledge
- SSO duties
- ISPS Code section A/12.2
- Accountable to
- The master; works with the CSO and each PFSO
3Key points
- 1
The SSO needs an STCW VI/5 certificate of proficiency.
- 2
The SSO is accountable to the master and works with the CSO and PFSO.
- 3
Duties: inspections, the SSP, cargo and stores security, reports and training.
- 4
The SSO makes sure security equipment is tested, calibrated and maintained.
- 5
In a safety–security conflict, the master prioritises safety, applies temporary measures and informs flag/port authorities.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Any officer with designated security duties training can act as SSO.
Right: The SSO needs the VI/5 certificate of proficiency, with approved training and sea service.
Wrong: The SSO reports to the CSO instead of the master.
Right: The SSO is accountable to the master and liaises with the CSO and the PFSO.
5Practice case & exam keys
Your SSO signs off unexpectedly in port. You are the chief mate and hold designated security duties training, but not the VI/5 certificate. The CSO asks you to take over until a relief joins in three weeks. What do you answer?
Show the answer
You cannot act as SSO without the VI/5 certificate. Tell the CSO and the master. The master, if qualified, can take on the role, or the company sends a qualified SSO. Ask the flag if in doubt. Record the change in the security records and tell the PFSO.
Exam keys
- SSO certificate: STCW VI/5, table A-VI/5; 12 months' sea service or equivalent.
- SSO accountable to the master; liaises with the CSO and PFSO.
- ISPS A/12.2 duties: inspections, SSP, cargo and stores, reports, training, equipment.
- Master's overriding authority on safety and security.
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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