1. A DoS is required when:
- A. The crew complements change fully
- B. When the vessel drops anchor in open international waters
- C. When taking provisions from a standard certified barge
- D. When a ship interfaces with a non-ISPS compliant ship
Answer: D — When a ship interfaces with a non-ISPS compliant ship
A Declaration of Security (DoS) is an agreement between a ship and a port facility, or between two ships, specifying the security measures each will implement. It is required when a ship is operating at a higher security level than the port facility or another ship, or when interfacing with a non-ISPS compliant entity to ensure necessary security protocols are met.
2. When the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is activated, the alarm will sound:
- A. On one's own ship
- B. On nearby vessels
- C. In the ship's engine room
- D. None of the above
Answer: D — None of the above
It is a covert alarm transmitted directly to shore
3. The most vulnerable place in a cabin where we can find hidden drugs and contrabands is:
- A. Top of the study desk
- B. Inside radio or TV
- C. Open book shelves
- D. The main wardrobe hanger rod
Answer: B — Inside radio or TV
Electronic equipment like radios or TVs offer concealed spaces behind their casings, making them prime locations for stashing small, illicit items. Open book shelves, study desks, and wardrobe hanger rods are easily visible and frequently accessed, thus less suitable for discrete concealment.
4. Which of the following may be used as additional security measures?
- A. Isolating the emergency generator emergency link
- B. Closing sea chests entirely
- C. Pressurized fire hoses on deck
- D. Turning off all navigational radars
Answer: C — Pressurized fire hoses on deck
Pressurized fire hoses on deck can serve as a non-lethal deterrent against unauthorized boarding attempts, creating a physical barrier and making access difficult. Turning off radars, closing sea chests entirely, or isolating emergency generator links are operational or safety hazards, not direct security measures.
5. The best place to search individuals physically is:
- A. In the engine room workshop
- B. Near the gangway
- C. Inside the steering flat
- D. On the captain's bridge deck
Answer: B — Near the gangway
The gangway is the primary point of access to the vessel, making it the most effective and logical location for physical searches of individuals before they can gain significant access to the ship. Conducting searches elsewhere would mean unauthorized persons have already boarded.
6. The normal level that the ship or port facility operates on a daily basis is:
- A. Security level 2
- B. Security level 3
- C. Security level 1
- D. Security level 0
Answer: C — Security level 1
Security Level 1 is the normal level at which ships and port facilities operate, ensuring minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times. Higher levels (2 and 3) are set when there is an increased risk or imminent threat of a security incident.
7. Which of the following are *not* regular security measures implemented at security level 1?
- A. Ensuring security communication is available
- B. Controlling access to the ship
- C. Call for shore security personnel
- D. Supervising the handling of cargo
Answer: C — Call for shore security personnel
Calling for shore security personnel is typically a heightened measure, often reserved for Security Level 2 or 3, when existing shipboard security capabilities are insufficient. Controlling access, supervising cargo handling, and ensuring communication availability are standard, regular measures at Security Level 1.
8. For security level 3:
- A. All shore leave is standardly granted
- B. Normal watchkeeping ranks are reduced
- C. Additional group to be put on security duty
- D. Cargo handling is speeded up to maximum limits
Answer: C — Additional group to be put on security duty
Security Level 3 signifies an imminent or actual security incident, requiring further specific protective measures, which includes deploying additional personnel for security duties to respond effectively. Reducing watchkeeping ranks, granting shore leave, or speeding up cargo are contrary to heightened security protocols.
9. How frequently shall the Master review the Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
- A. Quarterly
- B. Bi-annually
- C. Monthly
- D. Annually
Answer: A — Quarterly
While formal external audits are typically annual, the Master (as SSO) is expected to frequently review the SSP's operational effectiveness. Quarterly internal checks ensure the SSP remains current with evolving threats and operational changes, preventing complacency and ensuring constant readiness, as advised by best practices.
10. Which of the following equipment is a part of cyber security?
- A. Dedicated cargo computers
- B. Main engine indicator mechanical drums
- C. Hydraulic valve remote control levers
- D. Mechanical sound-powered phones
Answer: A — Dedicated cargo computers
Dedicated cargo computers, often networked and critical for cargo operations and administration, are integral to a ship's IT infrastructure and thus fall under cyber security considerations. Mechanical sound-powered phones, hydraulic levers, and engine indicator drums are purely mechanical or analogue systems, not susceptible to cyber threats.
11. Who approves the permanent revisions of the Ship Security Plan?
- A. Chief Security Agency of the Port
- B. The Flag State
- C. The Classification surveyor exclusively
- D. Local Port Authority
Answer: B — The Flag State
The Ship Security Plan (SSP) is approved by the Administration (Flag State) or a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) acting on its behalf. Any permanent revisions or major amendments to the SSP must be submitted for re-approval to the Flag State to ensure continued compliance with the ISPS Code.
12. Who proposes modifications to the Ship Security Plan?
- A. Third Mate
- B. Custom Agent
- C. Port Facility Security Officer
- D. Company Security Officer
Answer: D — Company Security Officer
The Company Security Officer (CSO) is primarily responsible for ensuring the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) is carried out, that a Ship Security Plan (SSP) is developed and maintained, and for proposing any necessary modifications to the SSP based on security assessments, audits, or changes in operational circumstances.
13. Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) means a person tasked to:
- A. Manage standard cargo commercial operations
- B. Manage Port Security
- C. Handle ship-to-shore bunkering pipelines financially
- D. Inspect marine auxiliary machinery ashore
Answer: B — Manage Port Security
The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is responsible for the development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP), and for liaison with Ship Security Officers (SSOs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs) regarding security matters. Their primary role is to manage and oversee port security.
14. Who sets the maritime security level for a country's territorial waters?
- A. Classification Board
- B. Private Maritime Security Agency
- C. Ship Master
- D. Flag State Authority
Answer: D — Flag State Authority
The Contracting Government (Flag State Authority or Coastal State Authority) is responsible for setting the appropriate maritime security level for its ports and territorial waters, communicating this to ships and port facilities within its jurisdiction.
15. Is security fencing mandatory for the ship-side railing?
- A. Mandatory at all times
- B. Mandatory only during dry dock periods
- C. Not mandatory
- D. Dependent on structural class rules only
Answer: C — Not mandatory
While additional physical barriers like fencing or barbed wire may be implemented as temporary security measures at higher security levels, a permanent security fence on the ship's railing is not a mandatory requirement under the ISPS Code. Ship design focuses on safety and operational functionality primarily.
16. With whom does the SSO liaise in the company regarding security matters?
- A. Technical Superintendent
- B. Financial Director
- C. Crewing Manager
- D. Company Security Officer (CSO)
Answer: D — Company Security Officer (CSO)
The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is the designated person on board responsible for the ship's security and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) on security matters, forming the crucial link in the ship-shore security interface.
17. What is the operational limitation of security equipment such as weld logs?
- A. They require active high-voltage power
- B. High vulnerability to sea spray damage
- C. The weld logs can be cut open
- D. Cannot be used on steel structures
Answer: C — The weld logs can be cut open
Assuming "weld logs" refers to physical security barriers like weld locks or welded bars, their operational limitation is that they can be compromised. With sufficient time and tools, such as cutting equipment, even robust welded structures can be breached by determined intruders.
18. The maximum validity of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is:
- A. 7 years
- B. 5 years
- C. 10 years
- D. 2 years
Answer: B — 5 years
An International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is issued for a period specified by the Administration, which shall not exceed five years. Its validity is subject to intermediate and renewal verification surveys to ensure ongoing compliance with the ISPS Code.
19. Which of the below spaces on deck and machinery spaces are most vulnerable for smuggling drugs and contrabands?
- A. Ventilation ducts
- B. Purifier drip trays
- C. Boiler burner platform surfaces
- D. Open main deck walkways
Answer: A — Ventilation ducts
Ventilation ducts provide concealed and often extensive internal pathways, making them highly vulnerable for hiding illicit goods due to their less frequent and difficult inspection access. Open walkways, purifier drip trays, and boiler platforms are generally visible and more routinely monitored areas.
20. Which of the following are regular security measures implemented at security level 1?
- A. Suspend all operations immediately
- B. Search 100% of all packages manually
- C. Evacuate non-essential personnel to a Citadel
- D. Supervise the handling of cargo and ship stores
Answer: D — Supervise the handling of cargo and ship stores
At Security Level 1, routine measures include supervising cargo and ship stores handling to prevent unauthorized access or introduction of contraband. Suspending operations, 100% manual package search, or evacuating personnel are elevated measures typically for Security Level 2 or 3.
21. When securing the Escape Route doors, can we lock them closed?
- A. No
- B. Yes, if authorized by the SSO verbally
- C. Yes, to prevent unauthorized intrusion
- D. Only during night port stays
Answer: A — No
Escape route doors, vital for the safe evacuation of personnel in an emergency, must never be locked in a manner that prevents their immediate opening from the inside. Security measures must not compromise safety and emergency egress requirements under SOLAS.
22. An RSO (Recognized Security Organization) *cannot* do the following for a Contracting Government:
- A. Conduct verification audits
- B. Issue interim certificates if authorized
- C. Review ship security assessments
- D. Communicate with the ship or port on active security matters
Answer: D — Communicate with the ship or port on active security matters
A Recognized Security Organization (RSO) can review security assessments, conduct verification audits, and issue certificates on behalf of the Administration. However, communicating with ships or ports on active security threat responses or setting security levels remains the responsibility of the Contracting Government or its designated authority, not an RSO.
23. Why is it advised to hide in the safe house or Citadel during a pirate attack?
- A. To protect machinery from overheating
- B. To keep up with routine paperwork safely
- C. To avoid being caught by the pirates and hence prevent them from taking control of the ship
- D. To avoid physical labor during a crisis
Answer: C — To avoid being caught by the pirates and hence prevent them from taking control of the ship
The primary purpose of a Citadel or Safe Muster Point during a pirate attack is to provide a secure, impenetrable refuge for the crew. This prevents their capture, denies pirates access to the ship's vital controls, frustrates their objective, and buys time for rescue.
24. The security internal audit is conducted:
- A. Annually
- B. Every 5 years
- C. Monthly
- D. Every 3 years
Answer: A — Annually
Company internal audits of the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and its implementation, along with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code audits, are generally conducted annually. This frequency ensures systematic review, identifies non-conformities, and allows for timely correction of deficiencies to maintain compliance and effectiveness.
25. The on-scene security survey does *not* fulfill the following function:
- A. Identifying the ship's engine performance
- B. Determining weaknesses in physical security infrastructure
- C. Evaluating shipboard key operations
- D. Identifying existing security measures
Answer: A — Identifying the ship's engine performance
An on-scene security survey, which forms part of the Ship Security Assessment (SSA), focuses on identifying security measures, evaluating key operations, and determining weaknesses in physical security. It does not assess or identify the ship's engine performance, which falls under technical and operational assessments.
26. Where is the guidance for risk-based assessment available in the ISPS framework?
- A. MARPOL Annex VI
- B. ISPS Code Part A
- C. ISPS Code Part B
- D. Solas Chapter II-1
Answer: C — ISPS Code Part B
Part B of the ISPS Code provides detailed guidance and recommendations for the implementation of the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS and Part A of the Code. This includes comprehensive guidance for conducting ship and port facility security assessments on a risk-based approach.
27. Which of the following is considered a most vulnerable place where hidden drugs and contrabands can be found?
- A. Access panels in floors, walls, and ceilings
- B. Fire hose and compartments
- C. Fire extinguishers
- D. All of them
Answer: D — All of them
All listed options—fire extinguishers, fire hose and compartments, and access panels in floors, walls, and ceilings—are potential hiding spots for drugs and contraband. Their enclosed, often overlooked, or easily manipulated nature makes them vulnerable to clandestine concealment, requiring thorough inspection.
28. The most vulnerable place in toilets and showers where we can find hidden drugs and contrabands is:
- A. Behind and under the wash basin
- B. On top of exposed soap dishes
- C. The shower curtain rod surface
- D. Open towel rails
Answer: A — Behind and under the wash basin
Areas behind and under wash basins, often with concealed piping and access panels, offer discreet spaces for hiding small items due to their less visible nature. Open towel rails, shower curtain rods, and exposed soap dishes are highly visible and unsuitable for covert concealment.
29. A plan which contains measures on board designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ship stores, or the ship from the risk of a security incident is called:
- A. Ship Security Plan (SSP)
- B. Emergency Towing Plan
- C. Fire Control Plan
- D. Safety Management Manual
Answer: A — Ship Security Plan (SSP)
This definition precisely describes the purpose and scope of a Ship Security Plan (SSP) as required by the ISPS Code. The SSP outlines shipboard measures, procedures, and responsibilities for protecting against security threats to personnel, cargo, stores, and the ship itself.
30. To ensure ship's personnel are performing their security duties properly, what should be periodically executed?
- A. On-scene security surveys/inspections
- B. Reviewing financial accounts of the vessel
- C. Engine trials
- D. Checking structural dry-dock profiles
Answer: A — On-scene security surveys/inspections
Regular on-scene security surveys, drills, and inspections are crucial to verify the effectiveness of security measures and ensure that ship's personnel are proficient in performing their assigned security duties as per the SSP. This ensures ongoing readiness and compliance.
