What are the Duties of Ship’s Company Security Officer (CSO)?

Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), every shipping company is required to appoint a company security officer, who would take care of the ship’s safety and security.

The company security officer designated by a company would be responsible for one or more than one ships, depending on the number and types of ships the company operates. This responsibility is clearly identified.

ship security officer

Every shipping company assigns a set of responsibilities for the company security officer depending of the type of ships and cargo which the company operates. However, basic responsibilities of company security officer remain the same.

Responsibilities of company security officer (CSO)

  • Ship security plan (SSP) along with ship security assessment (SSA), play an important role in ensuring the security of the ship. The company security officer is responsible for carrying out the ship security plan in an efficient manner.
  • Using the data acquired from the ship security assessment (SSA), the company security officer would advise on various threats which are likely to be encountered by the ship and would also decide the ship security level.
  • The company security officer (CSO) would arrange for internal audits and reviews of security activities.
  • On the basis of various observations and results from the ship security assessment, the company security officer would make developments in the ship’s security plan.
  • He would also seek for the approval to the submissions made on the basis of the results of the assessments
  • He would also modify the ship security plan to get rid of deficiencies in the security measures and to satisfy security requirements of each ship. Thereafter, he would ensure that the plan is implemented and maintained in the best possible manner.
  • Company security officer would take measures to enhance security awareness and vigilance in his staff and also among ship personnel
  • He would also arrange for the initial and subsequent verifications of the ship by the administration or the recognized security organization
  • He would ensure that adequate training is provided to those responsible for the security of the ship
  • In case deficiencies and non-conformities are found during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verification of compliance, the security officer would address and deal with them to the earliest
  • He would ensure consistency between security requirements and safety requirements of the ship
  • He would see to it that an effective communication and cooperation between the ship security officer and relevant port facility security officer is maintained
  • In case security plan of a sister ship or fleet security system is used, he would make sure that the plan for each ship would reflect the ship-specific information accurately
  • Company security officer would also ensure that the an alternative, equivalent arrangement for safety of each ship is implemented and maintained

Have we missed any point? Let us know in the comments below!

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

Latest Ship Safety You Would Like:

How Ships Fight Corrosion at Sea

How Ships Fight Corrosion at Sea?

Posted on
Corrosion is a major issue for ships sailing at sea. In this article, we take a look at what systems and methods are used to prevent ship corrosion.
Mooring In Ships

What is Mooring of Ships?

Posted on
Mooring means fastening a vessel to any shore or land-based structure with the help of suitable mechanisms, so the vessel is not subjected to free motion. This land-based structure may include berths, jetties, piers, wharves, quays, etc. Read this article to know about mooring ships.
What Is A Mast Riser

What is a Mast Riser?

Posted on
A mast riser is essentially a device or, rather, a system to relieve the pressure accumulated inside the cargo tanks of oil tankers. Read this article to know everything about mast risers.
Safety Features on LNG Powered Ships

Safety Features on LNG Powered Ships

Posted on
There has been a tremendous increase in the transportation of LNG, as the value and scope of the LNG trade have risen. There are, however, some safety drawbacks that must be taken into consideration.
What is An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

What is An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)?

Posted on
An Epirb is specialized navigational equipment used at sea to indicate to other ships and shore about a particular ship’s whereabouts. It is an important safety device that must be carried by all seagoing vessels to alert search and rescue forces in an emergency.

Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!

Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.

6 Comments

  1. ii worked at g4s secure solution india pvt ltd and 16 years experince assitt. security officer

  2. As everyone knows the situation on my country Libya regarding the war, What’s the duty of the CSO to protect and safe staff and Belding of the company? Or just all duties of the CSO for the ships.

  3. @Sufyan: For a war confilted country, company will provide additional guidelines. Please check with the company ISPS manual.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *