SSO Threat Assessment & Risk Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three security levels defined under the ISPS Code?
- Security Levels 1, 2, and 3 (Correct answer)
- Alert, Warning, and Emergency
- Low, Medium, and High
- Green, Yellow, and Red
Correct answer: Security Levels 1, 2, and 3
The ISPS Code establishes three security levels: Level 1 (normal), Level 2 (heightened), and Level 3 (exceptional threat).
Question 2: Who has the primary authority to set the security level for a ship operating within a port?
- The Ship Security Officer
- The Contracting Government of the port state (Correct answer)
- The Company Security Officer
- The Master of the ship
Correct answer: The Contracting Government of the port state
The Contracting Government (port state) sets the security level for ships operating in its waters and ports.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Ship Security Assessment (SSA)?
- To train crew members in security procedures
- To identify vulnerabilities and threats to the ship (Correct answer)
- To establish communication protocols between ship and port
- To document past security incidents
Correct answer: To identify vulnerabilities and threats to the ship
The SSA is conducted to identify existing and potential threats, vulnerabilities, and areas of concern that could be exploited to attack the ship or its cargo.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered a primary threat category in maritime security risk assessment?
- Equipment maintenance failures
- Acts of terrorism or piracy (Correct answer)
- Navigational hazards
- Cargo weight imbalance
Correct answer: Acts of terrorism or piracy
Acts of terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery against ships are the primary threat categories addressed in maritime security risk assessments.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a Declaration of Security (DoS)?
- To formally report a security incident to authorities
- To document the security measures agreed between a ship and a port facility (Correct answer)
- To certify that a ship's security plan has been approved
- To authorize the embarkation of additional security personnel
Correct answer: To document the security measures agreed between a ship and a port facility
A DoS documents the security responsibilities and specific measures that both the ship and port facility agree to implement during their interface.
Question 6: When a heightened risk of a security incident exists but no specific threat has been identified, which security level is typically set?
- Security Level 1
- Security Level 2 (Correct answer)
- Security Level 3
- Security Level 0
Correct answer: Security Level 2
Security Level 2 is set when there is a heightened risk of a security incident, requiring additional protective measures beyond the normal baseline.
Question 7: Which document contains the specific security procedures and measures a ship must follow at each security level?
- International Safety Management (ISM) Code Certificate
- Ship Security Plan (SSP) (Correct answer)
- Maritime Declaration of Health
- Continuous Synopsis Record
Correct answer: Ship Security Plan (SSP)
The Ship Security Plan (SSP) contains all security procedures, measures, and actions the ship must implement at Security Levels 1, 2, and 3.
SSO Threat Assessment & Risk Management 1
What are the three security levels defined under the ISPS Code?