How many copies of a Declaration of Security must be kept and for how long?

• A. Ten DOS's, kept 90 days after the end of its effective period.
• B. Five DOS's, kept 30 days after the end of its effective period.
• C. Twelve DOS's, kept 180 days after the end of its effective period.
• D. Eight DOS's, kept 60 days after the end of its effective period.

Answer: (A)

The Declaration of Security is a formal record of the security arrangement between the ship and the facility, so keeping multiple copies ensures every party involved can verify and audit the arrangement. Ten copies provide enough redundancy for all the involved parties—ship, ship security officer, company security, port facility, and relevant authorities—so that each has an official copy for reference. Retaining those copies for 90 days after the DOS is no longer in effect gives a defined window for inspections, audits, or any follow-up questions, ensuring traceability of security actions and changes. Fewer copies or a shorter retention period would reduce accessibility and the ability to review past security decisions, while this standard setup balances documentation needs with practicality.