SET - 2 | STSDSD Exit Exam Mock - Questions and Answers - 2026

The International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is a document issued to a ship, as required by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code under SOLAS, attesting that the ship complies with its provisions. This certificate confirms that the ship's security plan and related security measures have been verified and are in effect, thereby ensuring a standardized level of maritime security across international waters.

Yes, the port can indeed be at a lower security level than the ship. This is permissible because security levels for ships and port facilities are determined independently by their respective Contracting Governments or Designated Authorities, based on specific threat intelligence and risk assessments. While coordination is required, a ship's security level might be elevated due to its flag state's assessment or specific intelligence related to the vessel, even if the port facility it is calling maintains a lower security level.

The Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is a mandatory document detailing a ship's history and ownership, and while it lists the Company Security Officer and Company Ship Security Officer, the specific "CSO Name" referring to the overall Company Security Officer for the vessel is not a required entry. The CSR does, however, require the details of the auditing authority for DOC and SMC, the classification society, and the bareboat charterer, as these are integral to the ship's regulatory compliance and operational status.

The Company Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for ensuring the Ship Security Plan (SSP) is effectively implemented and maintained, which includes ensuring security equipment is operational. However, the direct maintenance, calibration, and associated record-keeping for shipboard security equipment fall under the operational duties of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and the ship's crew, as stipulated in the ISPS Code Part A, Section 12. The CSO's role is to verify that these activities are performed and documented on board, not to personally maintain these specific records themselves.

Pressurized fire hoses on deck can be rapidly deployed and utilized as a physical barrier to deter unauthorized boarding or as a means to incapacitate an intruder, thereby serving as an effective additional security measure under maritime security protocols. While other options may have secondary defensive uses, fire hoses are specifically designed for forceful projection and crowd control, aligning with security best practices for immediate response. This application falls within the broader scope of vessel security plan implementation, ensuring preparedness against various threats.

Port security officers' duties encompass the proactive implementation of the port security plan, the essential coordination of security measures with vessels calling at the port, and the critical role of assisting ship's personnel during any security incident, all of which are mandated by international maritime security regulations. Therefore, their responsibilities collectively include all the listed options to ensure the overall safety and security of the maritime environment.

The correct answer is Option D, "Restricted area," as per ISPS Code Section B/13.12, which mandates that areas designated within the Ship Security Plan (SSP) should be clearly marked and protected to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the security of the vessel and its cargo. These areas are classified as restricted due to their security significance, not simply because they are private, for the master, or public.

Deficiencies identified during a drill must be addressed promptly; therefore, the crew should discuss and identify corrective actions, implement them immediately, and meticulously record all findings and actions taken as per SOLAS and ISM Code requirements for effective safety management and continuous improvement. This systematic approach ensures lessons learned are integrated into the vessel's safety procedures, preventing recurrence and upholding maritime safety standards.

Familiarization with the Ship Security Plan (SSP) is mandatory for all crew members, as stipulated by the ISPS Code under SOLAS Chapter XI-2. This ensures that every individual onboard understands their specific roles, responsibilities, and the procedures necessary to maintain the vessel's security posture and effectively respond to security threats. Collective awareness and active participation from the entire crew are fundamental to robust maritime security, reinforcing compliance with international standards.

The ISPS Code mandates a risk-based approach, requiring each vessel to conduct a Ship Security Assessment (SSA) to identify specific threats and vulnerabilities. While gangway security is critical, the precise methods and equipment, such as CCTV cameras, are determined by this SSA and then detailed in the vessel's approved Ship Security Plan (SSP). Therefore, the provision of CCTV at the gangway is not universally compulsory by the Code itself, but rather an optional measure to be implemented as deemed necessary based on the specific ship's risk profile.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, integral to SOLAS, mandates strict access control and verification procedures for all persons boarding a vessel, including company personnel. An unplanned visit by office staff indicates a potential circumvention or bypass of these established security protocols for notification, identification, and authorization. This procedural lapse inherently creates a vulnerability that could be exploited, thereby posing a significant potential security risk to the ship and its operations.

According to the ISPS Code, specifically Part A, Section 8.3 and Part B, Section 8.7, the Company is unequivocally responsible for documenting, reviewing, and updating the Ship Security Assessment (SSA). This continuous review process ensures the assessment remains current, effective, and responsive to changes in ship operations, threat levels, or port environments. Regular review is crucial for maintaining the validity and effectiveness of the Ship Security Plan, which is derived from the SSA.

The Ship Security Plan (SSP) is a mandatory document under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, which must be approved by the Administration. The Administration, in this context, refers to the Flag State under which the ship is entitled to operate, or a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) acting on its behalf. Therefore, any proposed amendments to the already approved SSP must be submitted to the Flag State for review and formal approval to ensure continued compliance with international security standards.

The ISPS Code, specifically Chapter XI-2, mandates that vessels implement measures to detect and deter the unlawful introduction of weapons or other dangerous devices. While advanced screening equipment may be present on some vessels, the fundamental requirement is the capability to detect threats, and a metal detector is a basic, widely applicable tool to achieve this. Therefore, a metal detector is the minimum essential equipment as per ISPS Code requirements.

The correct answer is C 185, referring to the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 2003. This ILO convention is the most recent and authoritative international standard designed to enhance maritime security and facilitate the legitimate movement and shore leave of seafarers. Its implementation is crucial for ensuring compliance with international security frameworks and supporting seafarer welfare, which are integral aspects of overall maritime safety and operational efficiency.

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is directly and unequivocally designated by the Company and the Master as the individual responsible for the implementation and oversight of the ship security plan on board. This role is established under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, part of SOLAS, and mandates the SSO to coordinate all security matters. Their duties include ensuring security measures are maintained, reporting security incidents, and conducting regular security drills as per the ship security plan.

Under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, all ship stores, regardless of quantity, are subject to security screening, thus requiring 100% inspection for security level 3. This comprehensive approach is mandated to prevent unauthorized items or persons from being introduced to the vessel, ensuring the highest level of maritime security. Therefore, a full inspection of all ship stores is necessary when security level 3 is declared.

The documentary evidence of the Master's overriding authority, particularly regarding security matters, is explicitly found in the Ship Security Plan (SSP). This is mandated by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, a component of SOLAS Chapter XI-2, which requires clear definition of the Master's ultimate decision-making power for the safety and security of the vessel, crew, and cargo in all circumstances, including overriding company instructions if necessary. This provision ensures immediate and decisive action can be taken in the face of security threats.

Option A is correct because drills, as a fundamental component of maritime security and safety management systems under SOLAS and the ISPS Code, are precisely defined as highly supervised activities designed to test proficiency in a single specific procedure, equipment operation, or response measure within the Ship Security Plan. This focused approach ensures individual competency and validates discrete elements of the overall security framework, differentiating them from more comprehensive exercises.

A visitor is required to present identification at all security levels (1, 2, and 3). This is a fundamental baseline security measure mandated by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which is integral to SOLAS Chapter XI-2. Verifying identity is crucial for maintaining positive control over access to the ship, preventing unauthorized entry, and safeguarding the vessel regardless of the current threat level.

The Crew-Sickness Register (CSR) is a document used to record instances of crew illness and injury, focusing on their impact on operational capability and safety, not on the identity of the company's Safety Officer. SOLAS and ISM Code requirements for record-keeping are primarily concerned with the operational and safety management aspects of the vessel, such as auditing details and classification society information, not personal personnel identifiers like the SSO's name. Therefore, the SSO's name is correctly excluded from the CSR.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, mandated by SOLAS Chapter XI-2, primarily applies to international voyages and port facilities that serve ships engaged on international voyages, not typically those exclusively on coastal voyages. While some coastal states may adopt similar security measures, the ISPS Code's direct applicability is generally for international maritime traffic.

The Safety Study Program (SSP) is a critical component of a ship's safety management system, detailing procedures for emergency preparedness and response. As such, any amendments to the SSP require formal approval from the Flag Administration to ensure continued compliance with SOLAS and national regulations. Therefore, it is true that the SSP cannot be amended without the administration's approval.

The Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is a mandatory onboard document, as per SOLAS Chapter XI-1, Regulation 5, designed to provide a comprehensive and continuous historical record of the ship's life. It details significant events and changes in the ship's particulars throughout its operational existence, including ownership, flag, classification society, and company responsible for ISM code compliance. This record ensures traceability and transparency of the ship's identity and key information from its initial build to its final disposal, making "record of history of ship" the correct and precise description.

The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), as mandated by SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, is specifically designed to transmit a covert security alert continuously to designated competent authorities. This persistent transmission ensures that the security threat is recognized as ongoing until the vessel's crew or a responsible party intentionally deactivates or resets the system. The continuity of the alert is paramount for effective response coordination, preventing any inadvertent cessation of the critical security signal.

The Declaration of Security (DOS) is a critical document under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, part of SOLAS, designed to ensure effective security coordination during ship-port interfaces or ship-to-ship activities. Option D is correct because a DOS is specifically required when there is a disparity in security levels, as this indicates a heightened risk that necessitates agreed-upon security measures. If the ship operates at a higher security level than the port or other vessel, a DOS ensures both parties coordinate their security actions to manage the increased threat perception and maintain overall maritime security.

Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the RSO (Recognized Security Organization) is a designation for entities authorized by the flag State to assist in verifying a ship's compliance with security requirements, not a direct emergency response service. Police, military, and fire services are all potential entities that could be called upon for immediate assistance during a maritime security incident as defined by relevant regulations and protocols.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, implemented under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, mandates that the Ship Security Plan (SSP) details procedures for testing, calibration, and maintenance of security equipment. Therefore, a "Record of security items maintenance" directly demonstrates the operational readiness and compliance of security systems, making it an essential security record. This documentation is crucial for verifying the integrity and functionality of security measures outlined in the vessel's SSP.

Piracy, stowaways, and terrorist actions are direct security threats explicitly recognized and addressed by the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2, as they target vessels, crew, and port facilities directly within the maritime domain. In contrast, civil war and riots are broader geopolitical events that create hazardous operational environments and necessitate re-routing or avoidance for ships, but are not classified as an inherent, direct maritime industry threat category in the same manner. While they pose significant risks, they are external factors rather than specific maritime security incidents or actions against the industry itself.

At Security Level 1, the aim is to maintain a routine security posture, which allows for controlled access. Option D, "Stop all visitors from boarding," is not a regular measure as Level 1 permits authorized visitors under supervision, unlike a higher security level that would involve such stringent restrictions.