Chief Security Officer

Primary qualification

• Ship Security Officer (SSO) certificate under STCW Regulation VI/5 and section A-VI/5; in Spain, a DGMM-approved course (verify the approval resolution in force).
• Prior career in law enforcement, military police or high-level corporate security; some lines accept an internal career from shipboard security guard (as a guide).
• Working knowledge of the ISPS Code (SOLAS Chapter XI-2) and of the Ship Security Plan approved by the flag or its Recognised Security Organisation (RSO).

Basic STCW

• STCW Basic Safety Training (A-VI/1) to sign on.
• Crowd Management and Crisis Management and Human Behaviour (A-V/2) as a passenger-ship manager (Regulation V/2).
• Valid seafarer medical certificate per flag.

Specific courses

• X-ray image interpretation and scanner/archway operation (vendor and company standards).
• Onboard incident investigation: interviewing, scene preservation, chain of custody and evidential report writing.
• De-escalation and proportionate physical control techniques per the company use-of-force policy.
• Designated security duties training (A-VI/6-2) — delivered to and required of the team.
• Crime-reporting requirements on itineraries with US ports: Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA, 2010) and FBI/USCG coordination (as a guide, itinerary-dependent).

Indicative experience

As a guide: 5-10 years in law enforcement or military police, or 3-5 years as a shipboard security supervisor, before the chief position. Major lines additionally require 1-2 contracts as Deputy/Assistant Security Officer and a current SSO course. Teams of 10-30 on large ships (as a guide).

Observations

Typical route: security guard/screener (see profile) → supervisor → Deputy Security Officer → Chief Security Officer → shoreside Company Security Officer (CSO). Key limit: there is no police power on board — you contain, document and hand over to the competent authority; ultimate authority always rests with the Master. The formal SSO designation falls on this position in most passenger lines, although under some flags it may fall on a deck officer (verify per company). Maintains the incident log and CVSSA reports in US waters/ports.

Typical watches

• Department coverage 24/7 in shifts; the chief works a split day with permanent availability for incidents

Key responsibilities

• Implement and maintain the Ship Security Plan (SSP) under the ISPS Code, including MARSEC level 1-3 changes.
• Run airport-style access control: gangway, X-ray screening, walk-through detectors and identity verification of passengers, crew and visitors.
• Investigate incidents and alleged crimes on board: scene preservation, interviews, chain of custody of evidence and CCTV, and reports to the master.
• Coordinate with the port facility (PFSO), local authorities, port police and immigration at every call, including the Declaration of Security (DoS) where applicable.
• Manage public order on board: disruptive passengers, alcohol, violence, missing persons on board and cabin-confinement protocols until handover to the authorities.
• Train crew in security duties, run ISPS drills and exercises and keep the required records.

Operational scope

• Gangway, terminal and embarkation areas
• Passenger areas, casino, nightclubs and higher-conflict zones
• Restricted areas, CCTV and the security control room