COMPETENCY 4(Ship Security Techniques)

1)Who is responsible for the preparing of Ship Security Plan?

SSP or Ship Security Plan is a mandatory document under the International Ship and Port Facility
Security (ISPS) Code. An SSP is developed to provide direction on the procedures to be followed
onboard a ship during emergencies and threats. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is in charge of
establishing roles and procedures to be followed to implement the ship’s SSP to protect the
people and cargo on board. Lack of clarity during such situations can be avoided by having a
solid SSP. An SSP is a crucial document that all vessels must have because the ISPS requires it.

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is tasked with assessing and addressing security risks,
coordinating security activities, and ensuring compliance with the ISPS Code.

2)Whom is Ship Security Plan approved by?

Ship Security Officer (SSO): The SSO, who is appointed by the shipowner or the company
responsible for the ship, is responsible for developing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan.

Flag Administration: The Ship Security Plan needs to be submitted to the flag administration of
the country under whose flag the ship is registered. The flag administration is responsible for
reviewing and approving the plan.

Port State Control: When a ship visits ports of other countries, the Ship Security Plan may be
subject to review by port state control authorities. These authorities ensure that the ship
complies with international regulations, including security measures.

3)What information does Ship Security Plan contain?

An SSP will have security measures for different aspects of the ship. Here is a list of different
areas the SSP addresses.

Measures against using dangerous weapons and hazardous substances that can cause harm to
the ship and its crew.

Restricted areas are identified, and access to such areas is controlled by preventive action

Taking into account the critical operations of the ship, action to be taken at the time of a
security threat or breach is listed.

According to the security level, instructions laid out by the Contracting Government comply.

Information regarding how to maintain critical operations of the ship and respond to the
security threats
Evacuation procedure in case of a security breach.

Procedures for training, drills and exercises as mentioned in the plan

Procedures for reporting and auditing security-related incidents

CSO and SSO are identified along with their 24-hour contact details

Information regarding the methods and frequency of testing and maintaining security
equipment

Information about the locations of the activation points of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)

The duties of each ship’s personnel in case of a security breach are detailed.

4)How many security levels do you know? What are their characteristics?

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code establishes three security levels,
each indicating different levels of threat and corresponding security measures.

Security Level 1 (Normal):

Ships and port facilities normally operate at ISPS Security Level 1. SL1 ensures that the minimum
appropriate measures for identifying and preventing security incidents are in place on board
ships. All ships at SL1 must undertake the following actions:

ensure the correct performance of all security routines;

control access to the ship;

control the embarkation of people and their effects;

ensure that only authorised persons have access to restricted areas;

monitor deck areas and areas surrounding the ship.

Security Level 2 (Heightened):

requires additional protection measures to be implemented to protect against the heightened

assigning additional crew to visibly patrol deck areas during silent hours to prevent
unauthorised boarding;

limiting access points to the ship by identifying those to be closed and providing the means to
secure them;
undertake a full or partial search of the ship;

deterring waterside access to the ship, including the provision of boat patrols;

establishing a restricted area on the shore-side of the ship;

increasing the frequency and effectiveness of searches of people, personal effects, and vehicles
being embarked;

escorting all visitors on board the ship;

providing specific security briefings to all crew on the requirements for increased vigilance,
including procedures for reporting suspicious persons, objects or activities.

Security Level 3 (Exceptional ):

Security level 3 is activated in exceptional circumstances when the threat of a security incident
is imminent. For this reason, SL3 only applies where credible information shows that a security
incident is probable.

The SSP should list potential security measures to be taken by the ship, in cooperation with the
port. These may include:

limit access to a single controlled access point;

grant access only to those persons responding to the security threat;

close supervision of non-crew persons on board;

suspension of embarkation or disembarkation;

suspension of cargo operations;

evacuation of the ship if deemed necessary;

preparing for a full or partial search of the ship.

5)What are the responsibilities of Ship Security Officer?

The main responsibilities of ship security officer (SSO) are:

Implementing and maintaining the ship security plan (SSP)

Conducting security inspections at regular intervals of time to ensure that proper security steps
are taken

Making changes to the ship security plan if need arise

Propose modifications to the ship security plan by taking various aspects of the ship into
consideration

Help in ship security assessment (SSA)

Ensure that the ship’s crew is properly trained to maintain a high ship security level

Enhance security awareness and vigilance on board ship

Guide ship’s crew by teaching ways to enhance ship’s security

Report all security incidents to the company and the ship’s master

Taking view and suggestions of the company security officer and the port facility security officer
into consideration while making amendments to the ship security plan

Help company security officer (CSO) in his duties

Take into account various security measures related to handling of cargo, engine room
operations, ship’s store etc.

Coordinate with ship board personnel and port authorities to carry out all ship operations with
utmost security

Ensure that the ship security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated, and
maintained

6)What should crewmembers do in case of piracy attack?

Initial Action

When an unidentified boat is seen approaching, even if in doubt as to the intention of the
boat, the following should be done:

Sound the emergency alarm and make an announcement on the PA systems.

Carry out a MAYDAY call on VHF Ch. 16.

Send a distress message via the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) system and Inmarsat-C.

Activate the Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS).

Steer a straight course to aid in achieving the highest speed possible.

Start the ship’s emergency proceed for piracy.

Ensure that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is switched on.

Activate the security measures onboard, such as water spray.

Ensure that all external doors are fully secured.

Ensure that all crew without security duties are appropriately mustered inside the citadel.

When the circumstance of the case admits, alter course to expose the skiff to wind and waves.

Continuously sound the ship’s whistle to show the attacker that he has been observed and
possibly distract them.

Ensure that the Vessel Data Recorder (VDR) is recording, and the data saved.

If the ship is boarded, the following actions should be carried out:

Take all way off the ship and stop the engines.

Muster all the crew in the citadel.

Use all available means to establish communications from the citadel with MDAT-GoG and the
company to confirm that all crew are accounted for and safely in the Citadel.

Stay secure in the citadel for as long as possible, and ensure that all crew stay together.

If any member of the crew is captured it should be considered that the attackers have full
control of the ship.

Offer no resistance in order to avoid violence.

Remain calm and cooperate fully with the pirates.

All crew members need to keep in mind, that safety takes overriding priority over security.

7)What should crewmembers do when stowaway is found?

Discovering a stowaway on board a ship is a serious security and safety concern.

Notify the Bridge and Ship Security Officer (SSO):

Provide details about the stowaway's location, condition, and any other relevant information.

Do Not Confront the Stowaway Directly:

Crewmembers should avoid direct confrontation with the stowaway, as the individual may pose
a risk to themselves or others.

Maintain a safe distance and monitor the stowaway's behavior discreetly.

Secure the Stowaway:

If it is safe to do so, confine the stowaway to a secure area.

Assign a crewmember to monitor the stowaway to prevent any unauthorized movement.

Provide Medical Assistance:

If the stowaway is injured or in poor health, provide necessary medical assistance.

Inform the ship's medical officer or designated medical personnel.

Document the Incident:

Record detailed information about the stowaway, including their personal details, how and
where they were found, and any belongings they may have.

Take photographs if possible.

Activate Security Measures:

Implement security measures specified in the Ship Security Plan for handling stowaways.

Assess the security risk and take appropriate actions based on the situation.

Isolate and Interview the Stowaway:

If circumstances permit, isolate the stowaway and conduct an interview to gather information
about their intentions, identity, and any associated risks.

Use caution and follow established procedures to ensure the safety of all involved.

Cooperate with Authorities:

Report the stowaway to the appropriate authorities, including the ship's flag state, the relevant
port state, and any relevant law enforcement agencies.