SSO Maritime Security Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the ISPS Code, which party is responsible for approving a Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
- The Administration (flag state) (Correct answer)
- The Company Security Officer
- The Port State Control authority
- The Classification Society on behalf of the company
Correct answer: The Administration (flag state)
The Administration (flag state) or a recognized security organization acting on its behalf is responsible for approving the Ship Security Plan.
Question 2: 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 (Correct answer)
- Allow boarding and report the refusal to the master
- Conduct a mandatory physical search
- Immediately contact port state authorities
Correct answer: Deny the person access to the ship
The SSO must deny boarding to anyone who refuses to comply with security screening procedures to maintain the ship's security integrity.
Question 3: Which international convention specifically addresses the suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation?
- SUA Convention 1988 (Correct answer)
- SOLAS 1974
- MARPOL 1973/78
- COLREGS 1972
Correct answer: SUA Convention 1988
The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) 1988 specifically addresses maritime terrorism and unlawful acts.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) in the context of maritime security?
- To provide vessel identification and tracking information to authorities (Correct answer)
- To replace the Ship Security Alert System during emergencies
- To communicate security threats to nearby vessels automatically
- To verify crew credentials against international databases
Correct answer: To provide vessel identification and tracking information to authorities
AIS transmits vessel identity, position, and voyage data that authorities use for monitoring, tracking, and identifying vessels for security purposes.
Question 5: Under ISPS Code Part A, what must happen when a ship moves to Security Level 3?
- Specific protective measures must be implemented as directed by the Administration or port state (Correct answer)
- The ship must immediately return to port
- The SSP must be amended within 24 hours
- All non-essential personnel must be evacuated
Correct answer: Specific protective measures must be implemented as directed by the Administration or port state
At Security Level 3, specific protective measures directed by the Administration or port state authority must be implemented for the limited period of the security incident.
Question 6: What information must be included in a ship's 96-hour advance notice of arrival (NOA) to U.S. authorities?
- Last ten ports of call, crew and passenger lists, and cargo information (Correct answer)
- Ship Security Plan summary and ISSC number only
- CSO contact details and last port facility security assessment
- Voyage plan and anticipated berth assignment
Correct answer: Last ten ports of call, crew and passenger lists, and cargo information
NOA submissions must include the last 10 ports of call, crew and passenger manifests, cargo details, and other vessel information as required by 33 CFR Part 160.
Question 7: How long must a Company Security Officer (CSO) retain records of security incidents and breaches?
- At least three years (Correct answer)
- At least one year
- For the life of the vessel
- Until the next ISSC renewal
Correct answer: At least three years
Security records, including incident reports and breaches, must be retained for a minimum of three years under ISPS Code requirements.
SSO Maritime Security Regulations 3
Under the ISPS Code, which party is responsible for approving a Ship Security Plan (SSP)?