SSO Maritime Security Regulations & ISPS Code 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ISPS Code Part A, which entity is responsible for approving a Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
- The port facility security officer
- The flag State Administration (Correct answer)
- The company security officer
- The master of the vessel
Correct answer: The flag State Administration
The flag State Administration (or an RSO on its behalf) is responsible for approving the Ship Security Plan.
Question 2: SOLAS Chapter XI-2 entered into force on which date?
- January 1, 2002
- July 1, 2004 (Correct answer)
- September 11, 2001
- January 1, 2000
Correct answer: July 1, 2004
SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code entered into force on July 1, 2004.
Question 3: A Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is required under which SOLAS regulation?
- SOLAS XI-1/5 (Correct answer)
- SOLAS V/19
- SOLAS XI-2/9
- SOLAS IX/3
Correct answer: SOLAS XI-1/5
SOLAS Regulation XI-1/5 requires ships to carry a Continuous Synopsis Record documenting the vessel's history.
Question 4: Which IMO instrument provides the overarching legal framework within which the ISPS Code operates?
- MARPOL 73/78
- SOLAS 1974 as amended (Correct answer)
- STCW Convention
- MLC 2006
Correct answer: SOLAS 1974 as amended
The ISPS Code is implemented through amendments to SOLAS 1974, specifically Chapter XI-2.
Question 5: When a ship is at Security Level 3, who has the authority to instruct the ship to implement specific protective measures?
- Company Security Officer
- Contracting Government or port facility (Correct answer)
- Ship Security Officer
- Classification society
Correct answer: Contracting Government or port facility
At Security Level 3, the Contracting Government or port facility authority directs the specific protective measures the ship must implement.
Question 6: The ISPS Code defines a 'security incident' as:
- Any fire or flooding on board
- Any suspicious act or circumstance threatening ship, port, or person security (Correct answer)
- Any stowaway discovery
- Any crew injury during cargo operations
Correct answer: Any suspicious act or circumstance threatening ship, port, or person security
A security incident is any suspicious act or circumstance threatening the security of a ship, port facility, or any person therein.
Question 7: Under ISPS Code Part B, how often should drills be conducted to test individual elements of the Ship Security Plan?
- Every 3 months (Correct answer)
- Every 6 months
- Annually
- Monthly
Correct answer: Every 3 months
ISPS Code Part B recommends that drills testing individual SSP elements be conducted at least every three months.
SSO Maritime Security Regulations & ISPS Code 2
Under ISPS Code Part A, which entity is responsible for approving a Ship Security Plan (SSP)?