Key elements of a ship security plan include:

• Company Security Officer (CSO): A designated individual in the Company responsible for developing and implementing a security program.

• Ship Security Assessment (SSA): A risk-based analysis of security-related hazards or threats for each ship the company operates. The assessment should address the particulars of the ship, its cargoes and crew and the locations where it will operate. It should also consider the likelihood of various security-related scenarios and possible responses to those scenarios.

• Ship Security Plan (SSP): A ship specific document based on the assessment that identifies equipment and the measures and procedures that are to be employed to maintain security on board the ship. The plan must address specific measures appropriate to the level of security specified by the Government or the company. The plan must be approved by the Flag State or its RSO, such as ABS.

• Ship Security Officer (SSO): A designated individual on board each ship responsible for implementing the plan, for ensuring the plan is followed at all times, both at sea and in port, and for the training of the ship’s crew so they are familiar with their security-related duties. This individual is the primary point of contact between the ship and the Port Facility Security Officer on hand at each port or terminal.

Refer to the ABS Guide for Ship Security for more information on a comprehensive ship security program.