What is Ship Security Assessment?

What is Ship Security Assessment?

A ship security assessment is a risk-based analysis of security hazards or threats that ships face, according to Section 8 of Part A of the ISPS Code.

The SSA is the Company Security Officer’s (CSO) responsibility. If a company has many ships in its fleet, it is the responsibility of the CSO to ensure SSA is carried out.

The SSA must consider the ongoing applicability of the current security measures and procedures in routine emergencies. Along with various security-related scenarios and responses, the SSA should detail the ship, its cargo, its crew, and the locations where it will operate. The Ship Security Plan (SSP), created after completing the Ship Security Assessment, is then submitted for approval and installed on each ship.

Ship Security Assessment (SSA) Requirements

The ship security assessment is an integral part of the ship security plan of the ship. When conducting the ship security assessment, there is an on-scene security survey that includes the following elements.

• Existing measures, operations and procedures are identified
• Identifying and evaluating critical ship operations should be protected.
• Possible threats to the vital operation of the ship are identified as the chances of their occurrence are noted to prioritise and establish security measures.
• Weaknesses identified include the human factor, infrastructure, policies and procedures.

The company documents, reviews, accepts and retains the ship security assessment of its ships.

Contents of a Ship Security Assessment

When determining security guidance, SSA should consider the continued applicability of the current security measures, guidance, operations, and procedures in regular circumstances and an emergency. This includes:

• The restricted areas
• The procedures in response to emergency conditions like fire
• The level of supervision of the ship’s passengers, personnel, vendors, visitors, dock workers, repair technicians etc
• The effectiveness and frequency of the security patrol
• The access control systems, which include the identification systems
• The security communications procedures and systems
• The security doors, lighting and barriers
• The security and surveillance systems and equipment

Under the ship security assessments purview falls the different people, activities, operations and services it should protect. These include:

• The crew of the ship
• Passengers, vendors, visitors, port facility personnel, repair technicians etc.
• The capacity to maintain emergency response and safe navigation
• The cargo mainly if there are dangerous goods or hazardous substances
• The ship’s store
• The ship security communications system and equipment, if any
• The ship’s security surveillance system and equipment

The SSA should address the following elements on board or within the ship:

• The physical security of the ship
• The structural integrity of the ship
• The personnel protection systems within the ship
• The procedural policies in place for events
• The telecommunication and radio system, computer systems and networks.
• Other areas that could, if used for illicit proposals or damaged, pose a risk to the property, persons, or operations on board the ship or inside a port facility

The SSA also has to take into account all the possible vulnerabilities. These may include the following:

• When security assignments conflict with shipboard duties
• Watchkeeping duties are monitored with care. The number of ship’s personnel, especially their condition concerning crew fatigue, alertness and performance
• Deficiencies in security training that are identified
• Any security system and equipment, which may include a communication system

All of these are assessed, documented, reviewed and retained by the Company

Final Thoughts

A ship has to undergo several assessments to ensure that it is operable and safe for its crew, cargo and the environment. It has to be impeccably maintained to ensure there are no lapses. It is hence essential that there are strict measures in place to ensure its safety. The ship security assessment is designed according to the ISPS Code.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ship security?

Ship security refers to the overall health of the ship’s operations, infrastructure, crew, passengers, cargo and the environment. Strict measures and procedures are in place to ensure the ship’s security is always maintained. The ship security officer (SSO) is in charge of maintaining the security of the ship.

Who prepares the ship’s security plan?

The ship security plan (SSP) is developed based on a thorough ship security assessment (SSA). The ship security plan is prepared by the company security officer (CSO), They are responsible for the risk assessment and updates if required.

How many security levels are there on a ship?

A ship has three security levels as mandated by the ISPS code. Security level 1 is where ships and port facilities typically operate. Security level 2 is a heightened security level applied for as long as there is a heightened risk of a security incident. Level 3 of security is applied for as long as there is a probable or imminent risk of a security incident.

What are the requirements for a ship security plan?

The requirements for a ship security plan consist of the different measures to minimise the hazard to the ship, its crew, its operations, passengers, cargo and the environment.

What are the three aims of maritime security?

The three aims of maritime security are to ensure human security, national security and economic development.

How does a ship security alert system work?

A Ship security alert system (SSAS) is activated in case of an attempted terrorist act, piracy act or any other incident which is, under maritime security, a threat to the ship. A beacon is activated, which alerts law enforcement or military forces, after which they are promptly dispatched.