2

Question 1

What is the difference between Part A and Part B of the ISPS Code?

Answer 1

Part A contains the mandatory requirements; Part B provides guidance and recommendations for implementing those requirements.

Question 2

Define a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

Answer 2

A system that allows the ship’s Master or designated officer to send a covert, automated alert to authorities in case of a security threat, without sounding alarms on board.

Question 3

What is a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)?

Answer 3

A living document that provides an audit trail of the ship’s history, ownership, and management, updated by authorized persons whenever there is a change.

Question 4

How does a Company Security Assessment (CSA) differ from a Ship Security Assessment (SSA)?

Answer 4

The CSA reviews company-wide security policies and procedures; the SSA examines specific threats, vulnerabilities, and counter-measures for an individual vessel.

Question 5

What is a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)?

Answer 5

An evaluation of a port facility’s layout, operations, and threat environment to identify required security measures and resources.

Question 6

Define a Declaration of Security (DoS).

Answer 6

A formal, signed agreement between the ship and port facility detailing shared responsibilities for implementing security measures when security levels differ or an enhanced threat exists.

Question 7

When must a Declaration of Security be completed?

Answer 7

Whenever the ship’s or port facility’s security level is raised above Level 1, or when either party requests a DoS.

Question 8

What additional measures are typically implemented at Security Level 2?

Answer 8

Increased surveillance of restricted areas, more frequent ID checks, and enhanced control of access points.

Question 9

What is the focus of Security Level 3 measures?

Answer 9

The highest state of alert; may include suspending cargo operations, denying ship entry/departure, and mobilizing armed response until the threat subsides.

Question 10

Who signs the Declaration of Security?

Answer 10

Both the Company Security Officer (or delegated officer) and the Port Facility Security Officer.

Question 11

What constitutes an ‘Authorized Person’ under the ISPS Code?

Answer 11

Any individual approved by the CSO and PFSO to access restricted or secure zones on the ship or in the port facility.

Question 12

What are the main duties of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)?

Answer 12

To conduct the PFSA, develop and maintain the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP), coordinate drills, and liaise with the CSO and SSO on security matters.

Question 13

What is the difference between Part A and Part B of the ISPS Code?

Answer 13

Part A contains the mandatory requirements; Part B provides guidance and recommendations for implementing those requirements

Question 14

Define a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

Answer 14

A covert alerting system that allows the Master or designated officer to transmit an automated alarm ashore to authorities, without alerting anyone onboard, when the ship is under threat

Question 15

What is the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)?

Answer 15

A living document maintained on board that provides an audit trail of the ship’s history—ownership, management, flag state, and CSO details—updated whenever changes occur

Question 16

What is a Declaration of Security (DoS)?

Answer 16

A formal, signed agreement between a ship and a port facility outlining shared responsibilities for security measures when security levels differ or under heightened threat

Question 17

When must a Declaration of Security be completed?

Answer 17

Whenever the ship’s or facility’s security level is raised above Level 1, or upon request by either the ship or port facility

Question 18

Who signs the Declaration of Security?

Answer 18

Both the Company Security Officer (or delegated officer) and the Port Facility Security Officer

Question 19

Define an ‘Authorized Person’ under the ISPS Code.

Answer 19

An individual approved by the CSO and PFSO to access restricted or secure zones on the ship or in the port facility

Question 20

What is a Company Security Assessment (CSA)?

Answer 20

A company-level review of policies, procedures, and resources to ensure they address maritime security risks across the fleet

Question 21

What is a Ship Security Assessment (SSA)?

Answer 21

An evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and counter-measures specific to an individual vessel’s design, trade routes, and operations

Question 22

What is a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)?

Answer 22

An assessment of a port facility’s layout, operations, and threat environment to identify required security measures and resources

Question 23

How does a CSA differ from an SSA?

Answer 23

A CSA reviews company-wide security frameworks; an SSA focuses on ship-specific threats, vulnerabilities, and measures

Question 24

How does an SSA differ from a PFSA?

Answer 24

An SSA assesses shipboard risks; a PFSA evaluates shore-side facility risks and interface points with ships

Question 25

How often must CSAs, SSAs, and PFSAs be reviewed?

Answer 25

At least annually, and whenever there is a change in threat level, ship/facility configuration, trade patterns, or after a security incident

Question 26

What elements does a CSA examine?

Answer 26

Company policies, organizational structure, risk-management procedures, communication channels, and resource allocations for security

Question 27

What outcomes result from a CSA?

Answer 27

Identification of gaps in policy or resourcing, recommendations for company-wide security measures, and inputs for Ship Security Plans

Question 28

How does the CSA inform the Ship Security Plan?

Answer 28

CSA findings guide the development of ship-specific measures, ensuring consistency with company policies and identified fleet-wide risks

Question 29

What are the main steps in conducting an SSA?

Answer 29

1. Identify critical operations and assets 2. Develop threat scenarios 3. Analyze vulnerabilities 4. Perform on-scene surveys 5. Document findings and recommendations

Question 30

How are threat scenarios identified in an SSA?

Answer 30

By reviewing intelligence, historical incidents, trade routes, and ship functions to outline plausible security events

Question 31

What does vulnerability analysis involve in an SSA?

Answer 31

Examining ship design, access points, security equipment, and human factors to pinpoint weaknesses

Question 32

What is the purpose of the on-scene survey in an SSA?

Answer 32

To validate desktop analysis by physically inspecting the vessel, access control measures, and operational practices

Question 33

What information must be included in the SSA report?

Answer 33

Threat and vulnerability findings, risk assessments, recommended counter-measures, and prioritization of actions

Question 34

When must the SSA be updated?

Answer 34

Annually, after any change in threat level, vessel configuration, trade, or following a security incident

Question 35

What are the main steps in conducting a PFSA?

Answer 35

1. Review facility layout and operations 2. Identify potential threat scenarios 3. Assess vulnerabilities (perimeter, access points) 4. Recommend security measures and resource needs

Question 36

What aspects of port layout are reviewed in a PFSA?

Answer 36

Perimeter fencing, gate controls, lighting, CCTV coverage, and secure storage areas

Question 37

What operational factors are evaluated in a PFSA?

Answer 37

Cargo handling procedures, vessel calling patterns, personnel movements, and logistics workflows

Question 38

What threat environments are considered in a PFSA?

Answer 38

Terrorism, sabotage, illicit boarding, stowaways, and insider threats

Question 39

What is a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)?

Answer 39

The facility-specific document detailing security measures, procedures, and resources to address PFSA-identified risks

Question 40

How does a PFSA inform the PFSP?

Answer 40

PFSA findings dictate the security measures, zoning, personnel training, and equipment specified in the PFSP

Question 41

What are the key duties of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)?

Answer 41

Conduct the PFSA, develop and maintain the PFSP, coordinate drills, train personnel, and liaise with the CSO and SSO

Question 42

What triggers the completion of a Declaration of Security?

Answer 42

Raising security level above Level 1 for either the ship or facility, or request by either party

Question 43

What information is included in the DoS?

Answer 43

Ship and facility names, security levels, measures to be implemented by each party, and duration of the agreement

Question 44

Who are the signatories of the DoS?

Answer 44

The CSO (or delegated officer) and the PFSO

Question 45

What shared responsibilities are defined in the DoS?

Answer 45

Coordinated watch schedules, access control protocols, communication channels, and emergency response arrangements

Question 46

How long must security assessment records be retained?

Answer 46

At least three years after the record is made

Question 47

What records must the CSO maintain regarding assessments?

Answer 47

CSA, SSA, PFSA reports; DoS documents; SSP and PFSP approvals; and related correspondence

Question 48

How are assessment findings communicated to the SSO and PFSO?

Answer 48

Via formal report transmission, debrief meetings, and inclusion in drills and training sessions

Question 49

What role does liaison between ship and port play in assessments?

Answer 49

Ensures consistent risk understanding, coordinated security measures, and smooth ship/shore transitions