What documents must a ship carry to show ISPS compliance?

• A. Cargo Manifest and Port Clearance.
• B. Ship Security Plan (SSP) and designation of CSO/SSO responsibilities (and relevant security certificates).
• C. Ship's Registry and Passenger List.
• D. Safety Management Certificate and ISM Code.

Answer: (B)

ISPS compliance is shown by having a Ship Security Plan on board and clearly assigned responsibilities for the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Ship Security Officer (SSO), together with the relevant security certificates. The Ship Security Plan provides the security framework that explains how access control, screening, surveillance, drills, and communication are to be managed on the vessel. Designating the CSO and SSO ensures there is accountable leadership at both company and ship levels to implement and maintain that plan. Carrying the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) or equivalent confirms the ship has been surveyed and meets ISPS Code requirements.

Other documents listed do not prove ISPS compliance: cargo manifests and port clearances relate to cargo operations and port formalities; a ship's registry and passenger list pertain to registration and passenger information; a Safety Management Certificate and the ISM Code address safety management systems, not the ISPS-specific security framework.