What is a Ship Security Officer?

A Ship Security Officer (SSO) is a designated professional crew member on-board a vessel who is responsible for implementing the Ship Security Plan (SSP) in order to ensure the security of the ship.

A Ship Security Officer is appointed by the shipping company and reports directly to the ship's Master. The SSO coordinates with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and shore-based personnel to maintain the vessel’s security arrangements. 

Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the role of SSO has been a mandatory requirement for applicable vessels taking international voyages since 1 July 2004. The ISPS Code is a mandatory international security framework for ships and port facilities. It includes a series of special measures, such as appointing designated security personnel, in order to enhance maritime security and protect ships and ports from security threats.

 

When is a Ship Security Officer required on a vessel? 

 

A Ship Security Officer is only required on vessels covered by the ISPS Code. Therefore, not every voyage on every vessel requires an SSO. 

A Ship Security Officer is required on the following vessels:

• Vessels over 500 GT
  All cargo ships and passenger vessels of 500 gross tonnage and over must designate an SSO when engaged on an international voyage
  
  
• Passenger ships
  All passenger ships of all sizes must have an appointed SSO on international voyages.
  
  
• Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs)
  All MODUs, whether under tow or actively operating, must appoint an SSO when undertaking international voyages.

 

What is the function of the Ship Security Officer​?

 

The function of the Ship Security Officer is to implement and maintain the Ship Security Plan (SSP), monitor security measures, assess security risks, and ensure compliance with the ISPS Code in order to protect the vessel from security risks and ensure safety requirements are met. The SSO helps protect the vessel, crew, cargo and company from security threats while ensuring compliance with applicable security regulations. To do this, the SSO is responsible for meeting a comprehensive range of obligations, protocols and regulations, including these four key areas: 

• Maritime regulation
  Protect the company that has chartered the vessel, as well as its assets, by ensuring compliance with international maritime security regulations and standards.
  
  
• Cybersecurity
  Minimise the risk of cyber-attacks, including on the vessel’s navigation, communication and operational systems.
  
  
• Vessel trafficking
  Prevent unauthorised boarding and illegal cargo smuggling.

 

What are the responsibilities of a Ship Security Officer? 

 

The Ship Security Officer is responsible for ensuring that the ship's security arrangements remain effective on a day-to-day basis. The responsibilities of a SSO include: 

• Conduct regular security inspections
  Identify potential security threats, vulnerabilities and deficiencies in onboard security arrangements.
  
  
• Maintain and implement the Ship Security Plan (SSP)
  Understand and implement the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) carried out by the Company Security Officer (CSO).
  
  
• Coordinate security during ship operations
  Manage all security and surveillance measures at all times during operations.
  
  
• Recommend security improvements
  Suggest and make any necessary changes to the Ship Security Plan (SSA) in line with their knowledge and training.

 

The full list of responsibilities for the SSO is set out in the ISPS Code Part A Section 12.

 

• Deliver crew security awareness
  Improve security awareness onboard, providing practices and training as required.
  
  
• Report security deficiencies and incidents
  Any security deficiencies, breaches, incidents or suspicious activities should be reported directly to the Company Security Officer (CSO).
  
  
• Coordinate with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and the Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs)
  Communicate and collaborate efficiently with the relevant parties to ensure the safety of the vessel.
  
  
• Ensure security equipment is fully functional
  Regularly check, maintain and repair (where needed) all security equipment, including cameras, alarms and control systems.

 

Who can be appointed as a Ship Security Officer?

 

The shipping company can appoint any qualified officer to be the Ship Security Officer as long as they have the necessary knowledge and completed the relevant training. 

Often, the Chief Officer, Chief Engineer or other senior officer onboard the vessel will be appointed as the Ship Security Officer. The ISPS Code also states that the Master can serve as the SSO where appropriate.

 

How does a Ship Security Officer work with port and shore authorities? 

 

A Ship Security Officer works with port and shore authorities by acting as the operational link and primary liaison for maintaining vessel security and regulatory compliance during port calls, cargo operations and changing security conditions. 

Maritime security is a collaborative effort so a Ship Security Officer might need to work with port and shore authorities in various ways, including:

• Pre-arrival communication with the PFSO to let them know the current security status of the vessel.
• Verifying, screening and authorising visitors, port personnel and crew before they cross the gangway.
• Working with security teams based on-shore to monitor the perimeter of the vessel, the dockside and restricted areas of the ship.
• Coordinating with authorities on-shore during the loading and unloading of cargo to verify its legitimacy.
• Working with local customs and port officials to ensure no dangerous items make it on-board, including inspecting seals and reconciling manifests.
• Agreeing on and signing a Declaration of Security (DoS) if there is a heightened risk and/or when the port is at a higher security level than the ship. This sets out the specific security measures that each party agrees to carry out.
• Ensuring the vessel complies with any relevant port directives.
• Accompanying local authorities (e.g. port state control, immigration, coast guard officers) during any onboard inspections.
• Immediately reporting any security breaches, stowaways or smuggling attempts to the local PFSO, flag state authorities and local police.
• Activating the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) if the ship’s security is compromised, to inform the relevant national authorities.