SSO Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a security incident involves a stowaway discovered after departure, what is the SSO's first priority action?
- Confine the stowaway and notify the Master and flag state (Correct answer)
- Immediately return to port of embarkation
- Transfer the stowaway to the nearest vessel
- Release the stowaway at the next port without notification
Correct answer: Confine the stowaway and notify the Master and flag state
The SSO must secure the stowaway, notify the Master, and report to the flag state in accordance with the Ship Security Plan.
Question 2: Under ISPS Code, which entity must the SSO contact when a Tier 3 (MARSEC Level 3) security threat is declared for the vessel?
- International Maritime Organization directly
- Contracting Government of the port state via the Company Security Officer (Correct answer)
- The nearest coast guard station independently
- Flag state only, bypassing port state authorities
Correct answer: Contracting Government of the port state via the Company Security Officer
At MARSEC Level 3, the SSO coordinates through the CSO and follows instructions from the Contracting Government of the relevant port state.
Question 3: A suspicious package is found in the cargo hold mid-voyage. Which immediate action is LEAST appropriate?
- Isolate the area and restrict access
- Notify the Master and initiate the Ship Security Plan
- Attempt to open the package to assess its contents (Correct answer)
- Contact the nearest coast guard and await instructions
Correct answer: Attempt to open the package to assess its contents
Attempting to open a suspicious package could trigger a device and is expressly prohibited; the area must be isolated and authorities notified.
Question 4: During a security drill, the SSO notices that crew members cannot locate their assigned muster stations. What corrective action best addresses this gap?
- Cancel the drill and reschedule for a later date
- Document the finding and conduct targeted retraining before the next drill (Correct answer)
- Reassign all crew to a single muster station for simplicity
- Report the deficiency to port state control without internal action
Correct answer: Document the finding and conduct targeted retraining before the next drill
Documenting the gap and conducting corrective training ensures the deficiency is recorded and addressed before it affects an actual emergency.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- MARPOL Annex VI
- The Load Line Convention
- ISM Code Chapter 8
Correct answer: SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code establish mandatory requirements for the SSP and SSO role.
Question 6: A crew member reports that an unidentified vessel has been maintaining a consistent course and speed parallel to your ship for two hours. Under an emergency response protocol, what is the SSO's initial assessment step?
- Immediately broadcast a distress call on VHF Channel 16
- Classify the contact as hostile and activate MARSEC Level 3
- Evaluate the vessel's behavior against anti-piracy and threat profiles and notify the Master (Correct answer)
- Order the helmsman to take evasive action without consulting the Master
Correct answer: Evaluate the vessel's behavior against anti-piracy and threat profiles and notify the Master
The SSO must assess the contact against known threat indicators, document observations, and brief the Master before escalating to higher security levels.
Question 7: What is the minimum frequency requirement for security drills aboard a vessel under the ISPS Code?
- Once every three months (Correct answer)
- At least once per calendar year
- Every two years coinciding with Certificate of Compliance renewal
- Once per voyage regardless of duration
Correct answer: Once every three months
The ISPS Code requires that security drills be conducted at least once every three months to maintain crew readiness.
SSO Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response 2
When a security incident involves a stowaway discovered after departure, what is the SSO's first priority action?