Which roles may be designated to have security responsibilities under ISPS?

• A. Ship Security Officer (SSO) and Company Security Officer (CSO)
• B. Port State Control Officer
• C. Master and Chief Officer
• D. Cargo Officer and Safety Officer

Answer: (A)

Under ISPS, security responsibilities are designated to two formal roles: the Ship Security Officer on the vessel and the Company Security Officer at the company level. The Ship Security Officer is responsible for implementing the ship’s Security Plan on board, conducting security drills, maintaining access controls, and coordinating with authorities as part of day-to-day security operations. The Company Security Officer oversees the adequacy of the Security Plan across the fleet, ensures proper training and resources, and maintains liaison with port and national authorities to ensure compliance. The Master and Chief Officer may perform security duties if assigned, but ISPS identifies these two roles as the designated security officers, not external regulators or other ship roles like cargo or safety officers.