The officer on board responsible for implementing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan and liaising with the CSO and port facility security.
In practice
The SSO's duties include conducting security inspections of the vessel at the intervals specified in the SSP, ensuring that all access points are monitored and controlled in accordance with the declared Maritime Security Level, supervising security watches, maintaining records of security incidents and drills, and reporting any suspected security threats or breaches to the CSO and master. In port, the SSO liaises with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) to agree on the interface between shipboard and shoreside security measures. Security drills must be conducted at least every three months and are recorded in the ship's log. PSC officers verify SSO appointment and SSP implementation during security-focused inspections.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is the officer on board designated by the master and company to implement the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and to act as the primary point of contact for security matters during the voyage and in port. SOLAS regulation XI-2/6 and the ISPS Code part A require every SOLAS convention vessel to have a designated SSO, and STCW chapter VI/5 prescribes the training content leading to the certificate of proficiency for ship security officers.
The SSO's duties include conducting security inspections of the vessel at the intervals specified in the SSP, ensuring that all access points are monitored and controlled in accordance with the declared Maritime Security Level, supervising security watches, maintaining records of security incidents and drills, and reporting any suspected security threats or breaches to the CSO and master. In port, the SSO liaises with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) to agree on the interface between shipboard and shoreside security measures. Security drills must be conducted at least every three months and are recorded in the ship's log. PSC officers verify SSO appointment and SSP implementation during security-focused inspections.