What is Ship Security Assessment (SSA)?

Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), every shipping company must take certain steps into consideration to ensure security of the crew, ship and environment.

Several plans and procedures have been introduced to ensure utmost security of the ship and its crew.

A ship security plan (SSP) is a must for every ship under the ISPS Code.

Moreover, in order to ensure that every ship follows all the protective measures specified in the SSP, a Ship Security Assessment is carried out by the concerned authority.

The ship security assessment (SSA) is generally carried out before making the ship security plan (SSP).

The chief security officer (CSO) checks that the people with the necessary skills carry out the ship security assessment.

The ship security assessment (SSA) includes an on-scene security survey which includes:

1.       Identification and evaluation of key shipboard operations which require additional care while carrying out

Under key shipboard operations, critical processes such as cargo handling, navigation, machinery handling etc. are taken into consideration for evaluation. Along with that, critical spaces such as stores, bridges, machinery spaces, and steering control system are also taken into consideration.

2.       Identification of existing security measures and procedures

Under security measures, procedures such as response to emergency conditions, security patrol, security communication systems, handling of surveillance equipment, including door barriers and lightings are taken into account.

3.       Identification of weakness in policies, procedures, and infrastructure

On the basis of identification of various other aspects, a list of objective would be detailed such as new security measures to be implemented, determination of mitigation strategy etc.

4.       Identification of human factors that can be a threat to safety and security of the ship

Shipboard protective measures, procedures, and operations are evaluated to identify possible weakness pertaining to human factors.

Aspects such as monitoring of restricted areas to ensure only authorized persons are allowed, ensuring performance of security duties, supervising and handling of cargo etc. are taken into consideration to identify such factors.

5.       Identification of potential threads and likelihood of their occurrence

Under this, the company identifies various threat scenarios to a ship under specific circumstances. Threat scenarios would be considered keeping in mind various aspects of the ship such as types of ship, crew, type of cargo etc.