SSO Security Duties & Emergency Preparedness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A suspicious package is discovered in the engine room. After alerting the Master, what is the SSO's next priority?
- Open the package to inspect its contents
- Establish a cordon and clear personnel from the area (Correct answer)
- Continue normal operations until port authorities arrive
- Throw the package overboard
Correct answer: Establish a cordon and clear personnel from the area
Establishing a safety cordon and evacuating nearby personnel minimizes potential casualties while awaiting further response.
Question 2: Which frequency is designated as the international distress and safety calling frequency for VHF radio?
- VHF Channel 6
- VHF Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- VHF Channel 70
- VHF Channel 22A
Correct answer: VHF Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the internationally designated distress, safety, and calling frequency monitored by all vessels and coast stations.
Question 3: What is the minimum frequency at which security drills must be conducted on a ship under the ISPS Code?
- Once per voyage
- At least once every three months (Correct answer)
- Annually
- Once per calendar year per crew member
Correct answer: At least once every three months
ISPS Code requires security drills to be conducted at least once every three months to maintain crew readiness.
Question 4: An SSO notices that a section of the ship's perimeter fencing has been cut. What type of security threat does this most likely indicate?
- A stoker or stowaway attempt (Correct answer)
- An internal crew dispute
- A fire hazard
- A navigation safety concern
Correct answer: A stoker or stowaway attempt
Cut perimeter fencing is a classic indicator of an attempted unauthorized boarding, potentially for stowaway or piracy purposes.
Question 5: When conducting a security risk assessment, which element does the SSO evaluate to identify critical shipboard operations?
- Crew dietary restrictions
- Assets, operations, and infrastructure that must be protected if compromised (Correct answer)
- Flag state vessel registration numbers
- Insurance policy coverage limits
Correct answer: Assets, operations, and infrastructure that must be protected if compromised
A security risk assessment identifies critical assets and operations whose compromise could endanger the ship, crew, cargo, or the environment.
Question 6: Under what circumstance may the Master override the Ship Security Plan measures?
- When a Company Security Officer requests it in writing
- When the safety or security of the ship and persons on board is at immediate risk (Correct answer)
- When port state control orders a relaxation of security
- Never — the SSP is always binding
Correct answer: When the safety or security of the ship and persons on board is at immediate risk
SOLAS and the ISPS Code allow the Master to deviate from the SSP when immediate safety or security of the vessel or persons on board demands it.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a typical responsibility of the Ship Security Officer?
- Conducting regular security inspections of the vessel
- Approving the Ship Security Plan on behalf of the company (Correct answer)
- Ensuring security equipment is maintained and operational
- Coordinating security activities with port facility security officers
Correct answer: Approving the Ship Security Plan on behalf of the company
The SSP is approved by the Administration (flag state) or a Recognized Security Organization — not by the SSO.
SSO Security Duties & Emergency Preparedness 3
A suspicious package is discovered in the engine room.
After alerting the Master, what is the SSO's next priority?