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100+ Free STCW Ship Security Officer Practice Questions

STCW Ship Security Officer (Regulation VI/5, Table A-VI/5) practice questions are available now; exam metadata is being verified.

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Key Facts: STCW Ship Security Officer Exam

VI/5

STCW Regulation for SSO

STCW Regulation VI/5, Table A-VI/5

3

ISPS Security Levels

SOLAS XI-2 / ISPS Code

~3 days

Typical SSO Course Length

IMO Model Course 3.19

~12 months

Typical Sea-Service Prerequisite

Approved SSO course entry requirements

500 GT

SSAS Required From

SOLAS XI-2 Regulation 6

~70%

Common Written Pass Mark

Provider final exams

100

Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep question bank

The STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) certificate is an officer-level maritime security credential under STCW Regulation VI/5 and Table A-VI/5, taught against IMO Model Course 3.19 and underpinning SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. Candidates typically need about 12 months of approved seagoing service, complete a roughly 3-day (24-hour) approved course, and pass a short provider-set written exam, commonly around 20 multiple-choice questions at about 70%. The syllabus covers maintaining and supervising the Ship Security Plan (amendments, confidentiality, security records); assessing security risk, threat and vulnerability (ship security assessments, on-scene surveys, piracy and armed-robbery tactics, weapon-effects awareness, citadels, bomb threats); regular security inspections (access control, restricted areas, stowaway prevention, ship searches); security equipment such as the SSAS, CCTV and AIS aspects; encouraging crew security awareness through drills and training; and ISPS/SOLAS XI-2 duties including the three security levels, the Declaration of Security, the ISSC, CSO/PFSO liaison, the master's overriding authority, and port state control of security.

Sample STCW Ship Security Officer Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your STCW Ship Security Officer exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the ISPS Code, who is primarily responsible on board for the implementation and maintenance of the Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
A.The Ship Security Officer (SSO)
B.The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
C.The Company Security Officer (CSO)
D.The Recognized Security Organization (RSO)
Explanation: ISPS Code Part A, section 12 designates the SSO as the officer on board, accountable to the master, responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the approved Ship Security Plan, including its amendment.
2How many security levels are defined by the ISPS Code, and what does Security Level 1 represent?
A.Two levels; Level 1 is the highest alert state
B.Three levels; Level 1 requires additional measures for a heightened risk
C.Three levels; Level 1 is the normal level at which minimum protective measures are maintained
D.Four levels; Level 1 is reserved for declared war zones
Explanation: The ISPS Code establishes three security levels. Security Level 1 is normal, the level at which minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times.
3A Declaration of Security (DoS) is best described as:
A.A flag State certificate confirming the ship complies with the ISPS Code
B.An agreement between a ship and a port facility (or another ship) specifying the security measures each will implement
C.A confidential annex to the Ship Security Plan listing restricted areas
D.A signal transmitted by the Ship Security Alert System to the flag State
Explanation: A DoS is an agreement reached between a ship and a port facility, or between ships, that addresses the security measures each will implement during their interface, allocating responsibility at the agreed security level.
4Which international instrument makes the ISPS Code mandatory for ships engaged on international voyages?
A.MARPOL Annex VI
B.The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006
C.STCW Chapter VII
D.SOLAS Chapter XI-2
Explanation: SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security) makes the ISPS Code mandatory for ships and port facilities on international voyages.
5To which vessels does the ISPS Code apply when they are engaged on international voyages?
A.All vessels of any size carrying passengers
B.Only tankers and chemical carriers regardless of tonnage
C.Passenger ships, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upward, and mobile offshore drilling units
D.Naval auxiliaries and government non-commercial ships only
Explanation: Under SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code, the requirements apply to passenger ships (including high-speed craft), cargo ships of 500 GT and upward (including high-speed craft), and mobile offshore drilling units on international voyages.
6When the ship is operating at Security Level 1, what does the SSP require regarding the control of access to the ship?
A.Minimum measures are applied: identity is checked and access is controlled at all access points
B.All access points are sealed and no one may embark or disembark
C.A Declaration of Security must always be completed before anyone boards
D.Armed guards must be posted at every access point
Explanation: At Security Level 1 the SSP applies minimum protective measures: controlling access, checking identification of those seeking to board, and designating restricted areas with appropriate access controls.
7A ship security assessment (SSA) is intended to identify which of the following on board?
A.Only the value of the cargo carried
B.The crew's medical fitness records
C.The fuel consumption profile for the next voyage
D.Key shipboard operations, possible threats, and existing security weaknesses (vulnerabilities)
Explanation: The SSA is a risk analysis that identifies key shipboard operations to protect, possible threats to them, and existing vulnerabilities, including human, physical and procedural weaknesses; it forms the basis of the SSP.
8The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is designed to:
A.Sound a loud audible alarm throughout the ship to warn the crew
B.Transmit a covert security alert ashore to a competent authority indicating the ship is under threat or has been compromised
C.Automatically steer the ship away from a threat
D.Broadcast a distress message on VHF Channel 16
Explanation: Under SOLAS XI-2 Regulation 6, the SSAS transmits a covert (silent) security alert to a competent authority ashore, without sounding any alarm on board or alerting other ships, indicating the ship's security is under threat or compromised.
9Which vessels are required to be fitted with a Ship Security Alert System under SOLAS XI-2 Regulation 6?
A.Passenger ships and most cargo ships and high-speed craft to which the chapter applies, generally 500 GT and upward
B.Only ships transiting designated piracy high-risk areas
C.Vessels under 500 GT only
D.Ships carrying dangerous goods exclusively
Explanation: SOLAS XI-2 Regulation 6 requires passenger ships, cargo ships and high-speed craft of 500 GT and upward (and certain others) on international voyages to be fitted with an SSAS, regardless of where they sail.
10When a Declaration of Security has been completed for a ship/port interface, how should the SSO treat the document?
A.Discard it immediately once the ship sails
B.Post it publicly at the gangway for inspection
C.Retain it as a security record on board for the minimum period required by the SSP/Administration
D.Forward it to all nearby ships for information
Explanation: A completed DoS is a security record that must be retained on board for the minimum period specified by the Administration, available for review and audit, and protected from unauthorized disclosure.

About the STCW Ship Security Officer Practice Questions

Verified exam format metadata for STCW Ship Security Officer (Regulation VI/5, Table A-VI/5) is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.