An SSO (Ship Security Officer) is responsible for ensuring the security of the ship. There has to be an SSO on every cruise ship as it is a legal requirement according to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) with full responsibility of the ship’s security. Every cruise ship must have a security plan that the security officer is obliged to implement and maintain.
The ship security plan is a document that contains information such as measures to be taken at different levels or in occurrence of emergencies and about security equipment. It serves as the reference document for all issues related to ship security.
An SSO is appointed by the ship company and the vessel master. Qualifications required include a minimum of 12 months of sailing experience and a relevant course from an accredited maritime institution.
Responsibilities of a ship security officer (SSO) are:
- Implementing the ship security plan (SSP)
- Conducting security inspections at regular intervals
- Propose modifications to the ship security plan
- Help in ship security assessment (SSA)
- Ensure that the ship’s crew is properly trained to maintain a high ship security level
- improve security awareness and vigilance on board ship
- Report all security incidents to the CSO and the ship’s master
- Work closely with the company security officer (CSO)
- Ensure that the ship security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated, and maintained