1. Which shipboard personnel should be able to recognize and detect weapons, dangerous substances, and devices?
- A. Only the Master and SSO
- B. All shipboard personnel
- C. Only the deck watchkeepers
- D. The galley staff only
Answer: B — All shipboard personnel
Basic security awareness and the ability to recognize suspicious items or activities are fundamental for *all* shipboard personnel. This collective vigilance is critical for an effective security posture, as outlined in security training requirements to detect potential threats early.
2. Security measures are *not* necessarily extended by the Contracting Governments for which type of ships/crafts?
- A. Fishing vessels
- B. Passenger cruise liners
- C. Large container vessels
- D. Chemical tankers
Answer: A — Fishing vessels
The ISPS Code primarily applies to cargo ships of 500 GT and above, passenger ships, and mobile offshore drilling units on international voyages. Fishing vessels are generally exempt from the mandatory requirements of the ISPS Code, although some national regulations may impose similar measures.
3. The security assessment documentation shall be:
- A. Kept on ship safely in a secure location
- B. Discarded after verification is completed
- C. Displayed publicly in the crew mess room
- D. Forwarded to the public maritime archive
Answer: A — Kept on ship safely in a secure location
The Ship Security Assessment (SSA) documentation, forming the basis of the SSP, contains sensitive information about vulnerabilities and threats. It must be kept secure on board the ship and with the Company, restricted to authorized personnel only, to prevent unauthorized disclosure or misuse.
4. The Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) is accessible to:
- A. IMO members
- B. General cargo charterers openly
- C. Unregistered casual suppliers
- D. Local port labor trade unions
Answer: A — IMO members
GISIS is an IMO web-based public information system that provides access to a database of information submitted by IMO Member States. While some parts are publicly accessible, detailed or restricted data is primarily for IMO Member States and authorized entities.
5. Covert methods to overcome security measures include:
- A. Forcefully breaking and entering
- B. None of the above
- C. Open armed assault
- D. Using false documentation or hidden entries
Answer: D — Using false documentation or hidden entries
Video notes standard security breaches
6. The IMO resolution A.545(13) measures to prevent acts of armed robbery against ships was adopted in the year:
- A. 1983
- B. 1975
- C. 1991
- D. 2002
Answer: A — 1983
IMO Resolution A.545(13), concerning "Measures to prevent acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships," was indeed adopted in 1983. This resolution marked an early international effort to address and mitigate the rising threats of maritime security incidents.
7. The precise circumstances when a DoS is required by the port facility can be established through the:
- A. Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
- B. Custom Board Officer
- C. Third Party Agent
- D. Chief Engineer
Answer: A — Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is responsible for initiating and concluding a Declaration of Security (DoS) with the ship's SSO. The PFSO determines when a DoS is required based on prevailing security levels, specific threats, or ship-port interface conditions.
8. What is available in the Citadel/Safe House room?
- A. Emergency means of communication
- B. Water
- C. It has all of the above
- D. Provisions
Answer: C — It has all of the above
A Citadel or Safe Muster Point is designed as a secure refuge during pirate attacks, equipped with emergency communication, provisions (food and water), and other survival necessities to sustain the crew until rescue forces arrive. Therefore, it has all the listed items.
9. IMO introduced the ISPS code and made it mandatory in:
- A. July 2004
- B. January 2000
- C. December 2006
- D. June 2010
Answer: A — July 2004
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was developed by the IMO in response to the 9/11 attacks. It became mandatory on 1 July 2004 as an amendment to SOLAS Chapter XI-2, signifying a global commitment to enhanced maritime security.
10. Various types of exercises with the CSO, PFSO, relevant authorities of Coast Guard, and SSO should be carried out at least once in:
- A. 3 months
- B. 24 months
- C. 12 to 18 months
- D. 6 months
Answer: C — 12 to 18 months
Security drills should be conducted at least every three months, and comprehensive security exercises involving the CSO, SSO, PFSO, and relevant authorities should be carried out at least once every 12 to 18 months. This schedule tests the full spectrum of the security plan's effectiveness.
11. An act which *cannot* be termed as a piracy attack is:
- A. Intentional boarding to capture crew hostages
- B. Impeding safe navigation of a vessel due to close quarters engine defects
- C. Seizure of cargo assets via gun threat
- D. Armed robbery on the high seas
Answer: B — Impeding safe navigation of a vessel due to close quarters engine defects
Piracy, by definition in UNCLOS, involves illegal acts of violence or detention committed for private ends by the crew or passengers of a private ship. Impeding navigation due to engine defects is an operational issue or accident, not an act of piracy or armed robbery.
12. The on-scene security survey shall fulfill the following function:
- A. Overhauling mechanical safety valves
- B. Evaluating general propulsion parameters
- C. Identifying structural vulnerabilities and access points
- D. Identifying the ship's navigation efficiency profiles
Answer: C — Identifying structural vulnerabilities and access points
Transcript references alternate check formats
13. Seafarers with a designated security duty are responsible for:
- A. Deep-sea oceanographic tracking
- B. Knowledge of crowd control techniques
- C. Main propulsion optimization metrics
- D. Commercial cargo handling contracts
Answer: B — Knowledge of crowd control techniques
Seafarers with designated security duties, such as those responsible for access control, may need knowledge of crowd control techniques, especially on passenger ships. This is essential to manage personnel flow, prevent unauthorized entry, or mitigate the escalation of security incidents effectively.
14. The ISPS code was brought into force by:
- A. INTERPOL
- B. International Chamber of Shipping
- C. World Trade Organization
- D. IMO (International Maritime Organization)
Answer: D — IMO (International Maritime Organization)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, developed and brought into force the ISPS Code. This was achieved through amendments to the SOLAS Convention to establish a comprehensive framework for enhancing maritime security globally.
15. Security drills should be conducted at least once every:
- A. 3 months
- B. 1 month
- C. 12 months
- D. 6 months
Answer: A — 3 months
Corrected update in video audio context
16. What is the advantage of an Ion Scan system?
- A. Requires very little preparation
- B. All of the above
- C. It is portable
- D. Can detect and operate in a vacuum
Answer: B — All of the above
Ion Scan systems are advanced trace detection units used for identifying explosive or narcotic residue. Their advantages include high sensitivity, portability, minimal sample preparation, and the ability to operate in diverse environments, making all listed features valid.
17. At security level 3, the following lights are to be switched on:
- A. Emergency battery locker indicator lights only
- B. No lights (Complete structural blackout)
- C. All lights showing clearly the deck and surrounding the vessel
- D. Only standard navigation lights
Answer: C — All lights showing clearly the deck and surrounding the vessel
Security Level 3 represents the highest security posture, typically when a security incident is imminent or occurring. Ensuring the deck and surrounding areas are fully illuminated is essential to deter intruders and monitor for unauthorized approaches.
18. At security level 3, baggage is standardly screened on an X-ray machine from:
- A. One angle
- B. Four angles
- C. Two angles
- D. Three angles
Answer: D — Three angles
Multi-angle X-ray screening (usually three angles) provides comprehensive images of complex items, reducing the chance that organic or metallic threats are hidden behind or within denser materials. This increases detection reliability for security-critical screenings.
19. After searching a suspiciously looking person, you have found nothing. What action will you take?
- A. Let them roam around the restricted compartments freely
- B. Hand them over to the engine workshop as a worker
- C. Detain them in a dark hold space without notification
- D. Ask the crew to keep an eye on him
Answer: D — Ask the crew to keep an eye on him
If a person is suspicious, the primary objective is to maintain observation and control without escalating the situation unnecessarily. Alerting the crew ensures situational awareness, allowing for coordinated monitoring until the person leaves or is properly identified/handled.
20. Security level 2 can be set for a:
- A. Permanent basis for all remaining voyages
- B. Single watch hour shift only
- C. Indefinite prolonged duration
- D. Limited period
Answer: D — Limited period
Security Level 2 is an elevated state, typically maintained for a limited period when there is a heightened risk of a security incident. It is a temporary, proactive measure relative to changing threat assessments.
21. What is the best defense against pirates?
- A. Painting the hull white to blind them
- B. Speeding up the vessel to 40 knots
- C. Active armed counter-fire at all times
- D. Do not go to a pirate-affected area
Answer: D — Do not go to a pirate-affected area
Avoiding pirate-affected areas is the most effective preventative strategy, often facilitated by AIS monitoring and compliance with Best Management Practices (BMP). Other options, like active armed fire or extreme speed, are either dangerous or impractical.
22. How frequently shall the Master verify the security records?
- A. Yearly
- B. Quarterly
- C. Every 5 years
- D. Monthly
Answer: A — Yearly
Under the ISPS Code, the Master has the responsibility to ensure that security records are maintained and audited for accuracy. Periodic verification, typically on an annual basis, ensures the integrity and effectiveness of the Ship Security Plan.
23. What do we do with the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) when the flag changes?
- A. Mail it to the previous owner's home address
- B. Hand it over to the local port customs agents
- C. Destroy it immediately
- D. We keep them on board
Answer: D — We keep them on board
The Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is a vital history of the ship, providing information about its status under different flags and owners. It must remain with the ship even during a change of flag, as it is a permanent legal document.
24. Which of the following elements shall be part of a security drill on a ship?
- A. Attacks from the seaward side while the ship is at berth
- B. Handling minor oil spills on deck
- C. Testing boiler safety high-pressure cut-offs
- D. Complete machinery breakdown overhauls
Answer: A — Attacks from the seaward side while the ship is at berth
Security drills must be realistic and reflect potential scenarios, such as an unauthorized boarding attempt from the seaward side. Other options involve maintenance or safety drills (oil spills/machinery), which are covered by different codes like MARPOL or SMS.
25. The active security level in force shall be posted in:
- A. Hidden inside the emergency generator room
- B. The steering flat lower deck spaces only
- C. Only the Master's personal office cabin
- D. All common places on board the vessel
Answer: D — All common places on board the vessel
The current security level must be displayed in common areas and at access points to ensure all crew and visitors are aware of their obligations. This transparency is crucial for the effective implementation of ISPS procedures.
26. The maritime security measures under ISPS do *not* apply to which zone?
- A. Internal anchorage limits
- B. Territorial waters
- C. Port facilities interfacing with international vessels
- D. Continental shelf
Answer: D — Continental shelf
The ISPS Code focuses on the ship-port interface. The continental shelf is a geographical/legal definition related to resource rights and does not constitute a zone where ISPS security measures, as defined for ships and port facilities, are applied.
27. The SSO (Ship Security Officer) course framework was adopted by IMO resolution:
- A. 863(20)
- B. 482(12)
- C. 924(22)
- D. 741(18)
Answer: C — 924(22)
IMO Resolution A.924(22) provided the foundational framework for the development and implementation of the ISPS Code, specifically addressing the protection of ships and port facilities from unlawful acts.
28. On board, whose explicit duty is it to *propose* modifications to the Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
- A. The Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- B. The Cadet on watch
- C. The Port Authority Agent
- D. The Chief Cook
Answer: A — The Ship Security Officer (SSO)
The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is responsible for the day-to-day security on board and possesses the technical insight to recommend necessary updates or modifications to the Ship Security Plan to the Company Security Officer.
29. The modern definition of piracy includes which of the following acts?
- A. Shipwrecking done intentionally
- B. Accidental commercial short landing
- C. Navigating without a pilot in non-mandatory zones
- D. Minor engine machinery log discrepancies
Answer: A — Shipwrecking done intentionally
Modern definitions of piracy often include intentional acts of sabotage or causing shipwreck to illicitly gain control of a vessel or its cargo. The other listed options represent minor procedural errors or commercial issues, not criminal acts.
30. Which IMO resolution deals with measures to prevent unlawful acts that threaten the safety of ships and the security of passengers?
- A. 584(14) in 1985
- B. 545(13)
- C. 924(22)
- D. None of the above
Answer: A — 584(14) in 1985
IMO Resolution A.584(14) (1985) was a landmark resolution specifically focused on measures to prevent unlawful acts against the safety of ships and the security of passengers, predating and informing the later ISPS Code.
