SSO Ship Security & Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, what is the minimum security level assigned by contracting governments?
- Security Level 0
- Security Level 1 (Correct answer)
- Security Level 2
- Security Level 3
Correct answer: Security Level 1
Security Level 1 is the minimum, normal operating level at which ships and port facilities maintain baseline protective measures.
Question 2: The Ship Security Plan (SSP) must be approved by which authority?
- The ship's master
- The company security officer
- The flag state administration or recognized security organization (Correct answer)
- The port state control officer
Correct answer: The flag state administration or recognized security organization
The SSP must be approved by the flag state administration or a recognized security organization (RSO) acting on its behalf.
Question 3: Which document must a ship produce when requested by a contracting government before entering port?
- Ship Safety Management Certificate
- International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) (Correct answer)
- Document of Compliance
- Port Facility Security Certificate
Correct answer: International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)
The ISSC verifies that the ship complies with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code and must be presented when requested.
Question 4: How far back must a ship be able to provide records of its last ten port facility contacts?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 180 days
Correct answer: 90 days
Ships must maintain and produce records of the last ten port facility interfaces going back at least 90 days.
Question 5: A Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is required under which SOLAS regulation?
- SOLAS XI-1/5 (Correct answer)
- SOLAS XI-2/9
- SOLAS V/19
- SOLAS IX/4
Correct answer: SOLAS XI-1/5
SOLAS regulation XI-1/5 requires ships to carry a CSR documenting the ship's history including flag, company, and name changes.
Question 6: Which party is responsible for ensuring the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) is completed before the SSP is written?
- Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
- Company Security Officer (CSO) (Correct answer)
- Flag State Inspector
Correct answer: Company Security Officer (CSO)
The CSO has responsibility for ensuring the SSA is conducted and forms the documented basis for the Ship Security Plan.
Question 7: When a ship moves from Security Level 1 to Security Level 2, who normally sets this change?
- The SSO based on crew observation
- The Master at his own discretion
- The contracting government or administration (Correct answer)
- The PFSO of the next port
Correct answer: The contracting government or administration
Security levels are set by contracting governments or administrations and communicated to ships operating in their waters.
SSO Ship Security & Planning 2
Under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, what is the minimum security level assigned by contracting governments?