OMI - IMOTA320E - Model course 3.20 : Company Security Officer

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This model course aims to provide knowledge to those who may be designated to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Company Security Officer (CSO), as defined in paragraph 2.1.7 (and paragraph 11) of the ISPS Code, Part A, and in particular the duties and responsibilities with respect to the security of a ship, for ensuring the development (or for developing) of a ship security assessment, for ensuring the development (or for developing), implementation, maintenance and updating of a ship security plan and for liaising with Ship Security Officers (SSOs) and with Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs).

Those who successfully complete this course should be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities of Company Security Officer, as defined in section A/11.2 of the ISPS Code, which include, but are not limited to:

• Advising the level of threats likely to be encountered by the ship, using appropriate security assessments and other relevant information;
• Ensuring that ship security assessments are carried out;
• Ensuring the development, the submission for approval, and thereafter the implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan;
• Ensuring that the ship security plan is modified, as appropriate, to correct deficiencies and satisfy the security requirements of the individual ship;
• Arranging for internal audits and reviews of security activities;
• Arranging for the initial and subsequent verifications of the ship by the Administration or the recognized security organization;
• Ensuring that deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verifications of compliance are promptly addressed and dealt with;
• Enhancing security awareness and vigilance;
• Ensuring adequate training for personnel responsible for the security of the ship;
• Ensuring effective communication and co-operation between the ship security officer and the relevant port facility security officers;
• Ensuring consistency between security requirements and safety requirement;
• Ensuring that, if sister-ship or fleet security plans are used, the plan for each ship reflects the ship-specific information accurately;
• Ensuring that any alternative or equivalent arrangements approved for a particular ship or group of ships are implemented and maintained.