SSO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SSO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following best describes Security Level 3 under the ISPS Code? → Exceptional measures for a specific security threat
2. What is required before a vessel operating in U.S. waters can change its security level? → Notification to the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port
3. Which device is used to monitor access to restricted areas on a ship? → CCTV system
4. When must a Ship Security Assessment be conducted? → Before creating the Ship Security Plan
5. Which document is the primary reference for establishing security-related budget line items in a Ship Security Plan? → ISPS Code Part A, Section 9
6. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Cost & Pricing Analysis for SSO professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
7. Under FAR Part 12, which acquisition approach applies when purchasing commercial maritime security services for vessel protection? → Commercial item acquisition procedures
8. Which document is used to record the outcome of internal security audits aboard ship? → Ship Security Record (SSR) or audit report retained by the SSO
9. What should a Ship Security Officer do immediately upon receiving credible information about a specific threat to the vessel? → Notify the Master and Company Security Officer and implement appropriate security measures
10. Who is responsible for the daily implementation of security measures onboard the ship? → Ship Security Officer (SSO)
11. What is the purpose of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)? → To silently transmit a distress alert to authorities without alerting attackers
12. How often must a ship's Security Certificate (ISSC) be renewed? → Every five years
13. A long-range acoustic device (LRAD) used as a maritime security measure operates primarily by: → Emitting a high-intensity sound beam that can deter and disorient approaching threats
14. Which of the following is considered a primary threat category in maritime security risk assessment? → Acts of terrorism or piracy
15. Which of the following is a direct output of an effective security management review meeting? → Approved corrective action plans with assigned owners and target completion dates
16. In maritime contracts, what does 'demise charter' (bareboat charter) primarily transfer to the charterer? → Operational and possessory control of the vessel
17. What action must an SSO take if a person refuses to submit to a security search before boarding? → Deny the person access to the ship
18. Which of the following is a required element in a Ship Security Plan? → Security procedures and duties
19. Which pricing strategy involves setting a price based on the total cost of providing a service plus a predetermined profit margin? → Cost-plus pricing
20. Which document provides the primary legal framework that mandates the Ship Security Plan and the appointment of a Ship Security Officer? → SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
21. What action should a Ship Security Officer (SSO) take during a Security Level 3 situation? → Follow directives and implement maximum precautions
22. What is the role of a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) under the ISPS Code? → To act on behalf of the Administration in approving SSPs and issuing ISSCs
23. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Federal Acquisition Regulations? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
24. When calculating the total cost of a ship security drill, which indirect cost is most commonly overlooked? → Administrative overhead and planning time
25. What does 'General Average' require of cargo interests when a voluntary sacrifice is made to save the ship and cargo? → They must contribute proportionately to the loss based on their cargo's salved value
26. What is a 'vulnerability' in the context of a Ship Security Assessment? → A weakness that could be exploited by a threat actor
27. Which document evidences the terms of carriage between a shipper and a carrier when no charter party exists? → Bill of lading
28. A Ship Security Officer receives quotes from three vendors for CCTV maintenance: $4,200, $3,800, and $5,100. What is the average (mean) quote price? → $4,367
29. Which regulation requires vessels to transmit a 96-hour advance notice of arrival (NOA) to U.S. ports? → 33 CFR Part 160
30. When comparing proposals from two security consulting firms for revising the Ship Security Plan, the SSO should weight which factor HIGHEST? → Demonstrated experience with IMO and flag state requirements for SSP development