Operational guide · Operational procedure

Ship Security Plan and the ISPS Code

The validity of the SSO's STCW VI/5 Certificate of Proficiency is checked under issuing-Administration and flag rules; its absence is a clear ground, not an automatic detention.

ISPS CodeShip Security PlanSSOsecurity level

Operational Explanation

The Ship Security Officer must hold the Certificate of Proficiency required by STCW VI/5. STCW sets no universal five-year renewal cycle for it; format, validity and further requirements depend on the issuing Administration and flag.

Regulatory Reference

ISPS Code, made mandatory by SOLAS Chapter XI-2; SSO certification under STCW Regulation VI/5; PSC security inspection procedures updated by Resolution A.1206(34) (2025), which introduces the dedicated Appendix 20 and collaboration with Duly Authorized Officers.

Scope of Application

Every ship subject to SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (passenger ships, cargo ships ≥500 GT, mobile offshore units) engaged on international voyages.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Verify that the SSO holds the required VI/5 CoP.
Check validity and conditions under the issuing Administration and flag without assuming universal renewal.
Maintain SSP, drills, records and coordination under ISPS/SMS.

Practical Example

Example verification: before arrival in port, the SSO verifies that their STCW VI/5 certificate is currently valid, checks that the current security level of the destination port is consistent with the measures in place on board, and prepares documentation of recent security drills in view of a possible inspection.

What Typically Goes Wrong

The 2025 PSC procedures raised the attention threshold on security: a documentary shortcoming on the SSO, previously treated as an administrative deficiency, is now clear grounds for a detailed inspection carried out with a Duly Authorized Officer. Do not take the next step, though: clear grounds does not mean automatic detention. Detention is one of the control measures the DAO may decide in the light of what emerges, and presenting it as an automatic consequence confuses the trigger with the verdict.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to avoid it
SSO lacks a VI/5 CoP valid under Administration and flag rules	Clear ground for a more detailed security examination	Check the document and competent-authority conditions without assuming universal expiry
Incomplete SSP drills or records	Preparedness cannot be demonstrated	Apply and document the SSP/SMS programme

What the PSCO Checks

An SSO not holding a valid Certificate of Proficiency is a clear ground under A.1206(34), Appendix 20. It does not automatically determine detention; measures follow SOLAS XI-2/9 and the case.

Operational Tips

Check the VI/5 CoP under issuing Administration and flag rules.
Do not treat it as a statutory certificate with universal renewal.
Document drills and familiarisation under SSP/SMS.

Preparation checklist

SSO holds VI/5 Certificate of Proficiency
Validity checked under Administration and flag
SSP and records available
Drills and familiarisation documented

FAQ

Does the SSO CoP always expire every five years?

No. STCW VI/5 sets no universal cycle equivalent to certificates subject to periodic revalidation; check the document and Administration/flag rules.

Ship Security Plan and the ISPS Code

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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