Security

Question 1

ISPS Code Part A

Answer 1

Mandatory section, there are numerous regulations in this part that state, “taking into account the guidance given in part B of this guide.” If the specific regulation/requirement is listed in part B, it is up to the administration of the ship to enforce it or not on their ships.

Question 2

ISPS Code Part B

Answer 2

Recommended section. The guidance given in Part B of reference (u), is to be taken into account when implementing the regulations in reference (e), and the mandatory provisions in Part A

Question 3

SSP

Answer 3

A foreign ship’s SSP is:

• Protected from unauthorized access.
• Approved by the administration.
• “Clear grounds” is established before asking the ship master or SSO for permission to see the SSP. Clear grounds is limited to the specific section of the SSP that you call into question. Regardless of established clear grounds, the sections listed in reference (u), ISPS Code, Part A, 9.8.1, are considered confidential information and cannot be accessed without approval from the contracting governments concerned, such as the Flag State. Clear grounds criteria is not established by a single requirement, such as, “Crewmember didn’t check 100% of IDs.”

Question 4

Why is it important to know what a SSP provides when we are not able to look at that section of the plan?

Answer 4

It is extremely important that you are proficient in the required parts of a SSP since in many cases, you are not be able to look at the SSP.

Noncompliance with the ISPS Code is discovered by interviews or scenarios, eyewitness inspection of procedures in place, and the strict consultation of all available guidance, including the appropriate job aid.

In the ISPS Code, clear grounds is based on evidence or reliable information or a report.

Rely upon documenting the behavior that you see during the exam with your knowledge of the ISPS Code. Behavior such as unattended posts, multiple access points to restricted areas, lack of evidence of visitor control or package screening, which you carefully document as evidence.

Question 5

Non-SOLAS Vessels

Answer 5

If a ship is required to meet MTSA regulations, then their SSP is approved by the Coast Guard and is available for full inspection by the USCG during examinations.

Question 6

Crewmember Positions

Answer 6

When dealing with security, there are three types of crewmembers onboard the ship:
• Ship Security Officer.
• Ship Personnel with security duties.
• Ship Personnel without security duties.

Question 7

Sample Questions for SSO

Answer 7

Sample questions to ask the ship security officer:

• How often is the security equipment calibrated?
• How do you coordinate security activities with the port facility?
• When would you limit shore to ship access to only one access point?
• How often do you audit security activity?
• Who is the Company Security Officer?
• Do you have 24/7 contact information for this person? (Ask to see information.)
• How often do you hold security drills, training, or exercises?
• When was the last time you conducted a security drill, training session or exercise?
• How do you report security breaches or incidents?
• What do you do if someone tries to bring an unauthorized weapon on board the ship? Dangerous substance? Dangerous device?
• How do you prevent unauthorized persons from coming on board?
• Who on board is assigned security duties?
• When was the last time the SSP was reviewed?
• Was it updated? (Ask to see record of the update, but NOT the plan.)
• What do you do to search persons and their belongings when they come on board?
• What are your procedures to search unaccompanied baggage? How do these become more rigorous if security level increases?
• How do you monitor the security of the ship when underway? When pierside? At anchor?
• Do you have procedures in place to bring on board additional security personnel? Describe those procedures.
• Do you have procedures in place to ensure security for cargo handling?

Describe those procedures.

• How do you safeguard the SSP?

Question 8

ISPS/MTSA responsibilities

Answer 8

Verify access control to the ship, to include:

• Guards/watchstander at opened side shell doors.
• Interface between shore and ships, Declaration of Security (DOS), if required.
• Crew knowledge with respect to ship security.
• Measures in effect to prevent weapons, dangerous substances, and devices from getting onboard.
• Screening of passengers, crew, and associated luggage.
• Screening of stevedores, shore personnel attending the ship.
• Cargo supply screening.
• Security communications.
• Gangway watch checks the identity of all persons seeking to board the ship and confirming their reasons for doing so by checking joining instructions, passenger tickets, boarding passes, work orders, etc.

Although not a requirement, the industry standard is to have a physical gangway watch. A ship is required to monitor access control as per their approved SSP. Simply not having a gangway watch does not meet “clear grounds.” However, if the exam team is able to access restricted areas, such as the bridge, steering gear, or engine room, then clear grounds have been met to expand the security exam into the ship’s requirements for access control.

Question 9

Access to Restricted Areas

Answer 9

Verify the following:

• Authorized access to and monitoring of restricted areas.
• Signage is posted at entrance

Question 10

Declaration of Security

Answer 10

DOS, if applicable.

 ISPS states it is required, as per the contracting government.  Ships must conduct a DOS as per reference (j), 33 CFR Part

104.255. Those required to complete a DOS include cruise ships, transporting Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDCs) in bulk at MARSEC 1; all other ships at MARSEC 2/3.

Question 11

LRIT of Ship

Answer 11

LRIT was developed as a means of enhancing maritime security by providing information on ship identity and its current location in sufficient time for the contracting government to evaluate the security risk posed by a ship off its coast and to respond, if necessary. Contracting governments can request LRIT information from foreign-flag ships transiting within 1,000 nautical miles (NM) of their coasts or intending to enter their ports.

Ships are required to transmit LRIT information four times daily and at six-hour intervals. This LRIT information includes:

• The ship’s identity.
• The ship’s location, latitude and longitude.
• The date and time of the position.

Every ship has to have a LRIT conformance test. Failure to have it is grounds for a detention. It is a one and done test that does not have to be updated unless the specifics of the ship change.

Question 12

Ship Security Alert System (SAS)

Answer 12

Every ship is required to have a SSAS to initiate and transmit a ship-toshore alert.

• The SSAS is capable of activation from the navigation bridge and at least one other location.
• Verify the SSO is able to provide records of testing the SSAS.

NOTE:

Physical locations of activation points are confidential and not privy to PSC personnel.

Question 13

Security Related Records

Answer 13

Training, drills and exercises.

• Security threats and security incidents.
• Breaches of security.
• Changes in security level.
• Communications relating to the direct security of the ship, such as specific threats to the ship or port facilities the ship is in, or has been in.
• Internal audits and reviews of security activities.
• Periodic review of the ship security assessment.
• Periodic review of the SSP.
• Implementation of any amendments to the plan.
• Maintenance, calibration and testing of any security equipment provided on board, including testing of the SSAS. Testing procedures are not authorized to be viewed by PSCEs without contracting government approval.

NOTE:
Ensure the records and SSP are protected from unauthorized access. The length of time records are required to be onboard is determined by the administration.