A ship security officer is the person on board, accountable to the master, whom the shipping company designates as responsible for the ship’s security. Every ship covered by the ISPS Code must have one, and the officer who takes the post needs a separate certificate of proficiency under STCW.
What a Ship Security Officer Does
Under paragraph 2.1.6 of Part A of the ISPS Code, the SSO answers for the ship’s security, including implementing and maintaining the ship security plan (SSP), and liaises with the company security officer (CSO) and port facility security officers. Section 12 makes the appointment compulsory on every ship and sets out minimum duties; other sections of Part A assign more.
Under paragraph 12.2, the security officer on board:
- carries out regular security inspections of the ship;
- maintains the SSP, supervises its implementation and proposes amendments;
- coordinates the security aspects of handling cargo and ship’s stores with the crew and the port facility security officer;
- reports deficiencies found in audits and inspections to the CSO and puts corrective actions in place;
- enhances security awareness and vigilance on board;
- ensures that shipboard personnel have received adequate training;
- reports every security incident;
- coordinates implementation of the SSP with the CSO and the relevant port facility security officer;
- makes sure any security equipment is operated, tested, calibrated and maintained.
Writing the plan is not among the SSO’s duties in Section 12. Under paragraph 11.2.3 the CSO ensures that the SSP is developed and submitted for approval, and under paragraph 9.1 the plan is approved by the Administration. It covers all three security levels.
Who Needs an SSO Certificate
Under Regulation VI/5 of the STCW Convention, a candidate needs at least 12 months of approved seagoing service (or appropriate seagoing service plus knowledge of ship operations) and must meet the standard of competence in paragraphs 1–4 of Section A-VI/5 of the STCW Code.
Table A-VI/5 of that Code lists five areas: maintaining and supervising the SSP; assessing security risk, threat and vulnerability; regular inspections of the ship; security equipment and systems; and security awareness and vigilance. For most of them, evidence comes from approved training or an examination. Risk assessment may also be proven through approved experience and an examination, and its assessment includes a practical demonstration of physical searches and non-intrusive inspections.
Security training for the rest of the crew is a separate matter, covered by Regulation VI/6 rather than VI/5.
What the Course Covers
According to the centre’s description, the programme trains a future SSO to maintain a working SSP, lead the security team when the ship moves to a higher security level, run internal checks against the ISPS Code and draw up corrective actions, build a security culture on board and prepare the crew for external audits. The Code also expects the SSO to propose amendments to the plan.
Course Format and Requirements
The course lasts 2 days and runs in the classroom or by distance learning, in English, Ukrainian or Russian. To enrol you need a valid medical certificate and seaman’s passport. On completion you receive a Certificate of Ship Security Officer.
Course details and enrolment: https://tcsavant.com/en/courses/ship-security-officer/
Choosing a Training Provider
Approval comes first. The programme should be approved by a maritime Administration, and the certificate should be accepted by the flag of the ship you intend to join; an employer or crewing agency can confirm this.
The wording of the certificate matters too. An SSO certificate refers to STCW Regulation VI/5 and Section A-VI/5. A reference to VI/6 means awareness or designated-duties training, which is a different document.
Before enrolling, check your sea service against Regulation VI/5. The appointment itself is made by the company.
Sources: ISPS Code, Part A, paras 2.1.6, 9.1, 11.2.3, 12.1–12.2; STCW Convention, Regulations VI/5 and VI/6; STCW Code, Section A-VI/5, Table A-VI/5.
