DWO Security and Emergency Preparedness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 33 CFR Part 104, who is responsible for ensuring a vessel security plan is implemented and maintained?
- The Company Security Officer (CSO)
- The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
- The Vessel Security Officer (VSO) (Correct answer)
- The Officer of the Deck
Correct answer: The Vessel Security Officer (VSO)
The Vessel Security Officer (VSO) is responsible for implementing and maintaining the approved vessel security plan.
Question 2: Which document must a US-flagged vessel obtain before entering a foreign port that has ISPS Code requirements?
- Port Entry Permit
- International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) (Correct answer)
- Ship Sanitation Certificate
- Maritime Declaration of Health
Correct answer: International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)
An International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) verifies compliance with ISPS Code requirements and must be carried aboard.
Question 3: What action should the watch officer take if an unauthorized person is discovered in a restricted area?
- Escort them off the vessel immediately without reporting
- Detain the person and notify the Master and VSO immediately (Correct answer)
- Ignore them if they appear harmless
- Only report at the end of the watch
Correct answer: Detain the person and notify the Master and VSO immediately
Unauthorized persons in restricted areas must be detained and the Master and VSO notified immediately per the vessel security plan.
Question 4: In a flooding emergency, the watch officer should sound which alarm signal on the ship's whistle?
- One prolonged blast
- Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast (Correct answer)
- Three short blasts
- Continuous ringing of the ship's bell
Correct answer: Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast
Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast is the general emergency alarm signal per SOLAS and activates the muster station response.
Question 5: A Declaration of Security (DoS) is typically required when:
- Entering any port regardless of security level
- Interfacing with a port facility operating at a different security level or when requested (Correct answer)
- Only during cargo operations
- Only when carrying hazardous materials
Correct answer: Interfacing with a port facility operating at a different security level or when requested
A DoS is completed when a ship interfaces with a port facility or another ship operating at a different security level or when either party requests it.
Question 6: Under the USCG regulations, how often must abandon-ship drills be conducted on vessels with certificated crew?
- Weekly
- Monthly (Correct answer)
- Quarterly
- Annually
Correct answer: Monthly
SOLAS and US regulations require abandon-ship drills at least monthly for vessels with certificated crew.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?
- Notify port authorities of arrival
- Transmit a covert alert to authorities during a security threat without alerting attackers (Correct answer)
- Activate fire suppression systems
- Broadcast a distress signal on all VHF channels
Correct answer: Transmit a covert alert to authorities during a security threat without alerting attackers
The SSAS sends a covert security alert to the flag state or designated authority without notifying those threatening the ship.
DWO Security and Emergency Preparedness 3
Under 33 CFR Part 104, who is responsible for ensuring a vessel security plan is implemented and maintained?