IMO GUIDANCE ON SHIP SECURITY OFFICER (SSO) CERTIFICATION
MARITIME SECURITY COMPLIANCE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY FOR SHIP SECURITY OFFICERS (SSO)
Chapter VI of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention), was amended to include Regulation VI/5, requiring all designated Ship Security Officers (SSO) to hold a Certificate of Proficiency.
These amendments came into force on 1 January 2008.
In accordance with these requirements, Comoros Maritime provides the following guidance:
From 1 January 2008, all Ship Security Officers and Deputy Security Officers serving onboard Comoros Maritime flagged vessels who did not previously hold or could not demonstrate recognized SSO qualifications must obtain a Certificate of Proficiency issued by an administration recognized under the STCW Convention (i.e. included on the STCW White List).
Up to 1 July 2009, personnel who held or could demonstrate SSO qualifications obtained prior to the implementation of the regulation continued to be accepted.
After 1 July 2009, all Ship Security Officers and Deputy Security Officers onboard Comoros Maritime flagged vessels must hold a valid Certificate of Proficiency issued by a recognized administration in accordance with Regulation VI/5 of the STCW Convention, as amended.
DEFINITION OF COMPANY & COMPANY SECURITY OFFICER (SOLAS)
Company refers to the shipowner or any other organization or individual—such as a manager or bareboat charterer—who has assumed responsibility for the operation of the vessel from the owner and has agreed to undertake all duties and obligations required under the ISPS and ISM Codes.
Company Security Officer (CSO) refers to the person appointed by the Company who is responsible for:
- Ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out
- Ensuring that a ship security plan is prepared, submitted for approval, and properly implemented and maintained
- Acting as the point of contact between port facility security officers and the ship security officer
SHIP SECURITY PLANS & RECORDS
SHIP SECURITY PLANS & RECORDS
A list of approved Recognised Security Organisations (RSOs) for Comoros Maritime is available on the official website. The appointed RSO is responsible for approving the ship security assessment and security plan, as well as carrying out onboard verification.
Following successful verification, the RSO will issue a Short-Term International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) and provide a report along with a copy of the certificate to the Administration. A Full-Term ISSC, valid for up to five years and subject to required intermediate verifications, will be issued at a later stage.
The ship security plan must not be altered without prior approval and proper documentation by the Company Security Officer (CSO). Any approved changes must be recorded and kept with the security plan. In cases of significant amendments, the revised plan must also be submitted to the RSO for approval, along with confirmation of approval from the CSO.
Security-related documents must be retained onboard for a minimum of three years or covering the last ten ports of call, whichever period is longer. Records of internal or third-party security audits must be kept onboard for at least five years.
Service provider registration process
Steps to Register
Review registration requirements
Download and review the applicable registration procedures and eligibility requirements relevant to the vessel type and intended registration.
Complete the required application forms
Prepare and complete the prescribed application forms together with all supporting documentation required for registration.
Submit documentation for review
Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Comoros Maritime Administration, an authorized maritime registrar, or an approved service provider for assessment and approval.