The shore-based person designated by a company to be responsible for developing and implementing its Ship Security Plans under the ISPS Code.
In practice
The CSO is responsible for ensuring that security threat assessments are conducted for each vessel, that SSPs are approved by the flag administration, and that security drills and exercises are carried out at prescribed intervals. The CSO maintains records of security incidents, security equipment maintenance, and crew security training in accordance with the ISPS Code. They co-ordinate the response to security alerts activated aboard the vessel and liaise with national maritime security authorities as required. IMO MSC circulars and BIMCO's ship security guidance provide practical interpretation of the ISPS Code requirements that the CSO must implement.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The Company Security Officer (CSO) is the shore-based person designated by a shipping company under regulation XI-2/6 of SOLAS and part A of the ISPS Code to be responsible for the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and for liaison with port facility security officers and the company's ship security officers. Every company operating ships subject to the ISPS Code must appoint a named CSO and ensure they hold the training prescribed by STCW chapter VI/5.
The CSO is responsible for ensuring that security threat assessments are conducted for each vessel, that SSPs are approved by the flag administration, and that security drills and exercises are carried out at prescribed intervals. The CSO maintains records of security incidents, security equipment maintenance, and crew security training in accordance with the ISPS Code. They co-ordinate the response to security alerts activated aboard the vessel and liaise with national maritime security authorities as required. IMO MSC circulars and BIMCO's ship security guidance provide practical interpretation of the ISPS Code requirements that the CSO must implement.