Vessel/Ship Security Officer (SSO) Requirements - Transport Canada MTSR

Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) Vessel / Ship Security Officer (VSO/SSO) Requirements

Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR), STCW Convention and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) stipulates that a vessel/ship security officer (SSO) is a person appointed by the company and the vessel's master for ensuring the Security of the ship.

Ship/Vessel Security Officer (SSO) could be the master or a member of the crew designated or appointed by the vessel operator. They are responsible for each vessels’ security plan and may have other responsibilities within the vessel operator’s organization.

A Vessel Security Officer must have knowledge of the layout of the vessel and the Vessel Security Plan and its requirements. Also, a non-SOLAS ship’s vessel security officer should have, by training or job experience, knowledge and competence that are relevant to the industry in which the vessel operates. Amendments to the STCW Convention and Seafarers’ Training Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) specify standards for the issue of Certificates of Proficiency to Ship Security Officers.

Starting January 1, 2008 seafarers who will have successfully completed their Approved Ship Security Officer Training course at a recognized institution, will have met TC requirements such as sea service, age, citizenship and training.

Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) Part 2 – Vessels Sections 210, 211 & 212 Ship Security Officer Requirements

Part 2 - Vessels

Vessel/Ship Security Officer

MTSR 210 - General

1. A vessel security officer
   
   1. shall be the master or a member of the crew;
   2. may also act as the vessel security officer for a vessel without a crew if
   3. they are able to fulfil their responsibilities for each vessel, and
   4. (each vessel’s security plan lists the other vessels for which they are responsible;
   5. may have other responsibilities within the vessel operator’s organization if they are able to fulfil the responsibilities of vessel security officer;
   6. may delegate tasks required by this Part; and
   7. in the case of a towing vessel, shall coordinate its security procedures with those of any vessels that it is towing or pushing.
2. A vessel security officer remains responsible for the performance of the tasks they delegate.

MTSR 211 - Vessel/Ship Security Officer Qualifications

1. A vessel security officer shall have knowledge of
   1. the layout of the vessel; and
   2. the vessel security plan and its requirements.
2. A non-SOLAS ship’s vessel security officer shall have, by training or job experience, knowledge and competence that are relevant to the industry in which the vessel operates and are in the following areas:
   1. those set out for a Company Security Officer in paragraphs 208(a) to (m) and (o) to (s);
   2. Crowd Management and control techniques; and
   3. the operation, testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment and systems.
3. Subject to subsection (6), a SOLAS ship’s vessel security officer shall hold
   1. in the case of a SOLAS ship that is entitled to fly the Canadian flag, a certificate of proficiency as a ship security officer issued under Part 8; and
   2. in the case of a SOLAS ship that is entitled to fly the flag of a foreign state, a certificate of proficiency as a ship security officer issued by the contracting government of that state.
4. Repealed, SOR/2014-162
5. Repealed, SOR/2014-162
6. In circumstances of exceptional necessity, when a person who holds a certificate of proficiency as a ship security officer is temporarily unavailable to serve as vessel security officer on a SOLAS ship, the Administration may permit a member of the vessel’s personnel who has responsibilities respecting the security of the vessel and an understanding of the vessel security plan to serve as vessel security officer on the vessel until it arrives at the next port of call or for a period not exceeding 30 days. That member shall serve as the vessel security officer as permitted by the Administration, and the vessel’s master shall, as soon as possible, inform the relevant maritime authorities of the next ports of call of the arrangements in place.
7. Repealed, SOR/2014-162

MTSR 212 - Vessel/Ship Security Officer Responsibilities

A vessel security officer shall

1. while the vessel is in operation, conduct inspections of the vessel at the frequency specified in the vessel security plan to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Part;
2. implement the vessel security plan, as amended from time to time;
3. conduct audits of the vessel security plan as required by this Part;
4. coordinate the implementation of the vessel security plan with the company security officer and, if applicable, with the port security officer and the Marine Facility Security Officer;
5. as soon as practicable after a deficiency in the vessel security plan is identified, report it to the company security officer and implement the action necessary that is required to correct the deficiency until the plan is amended;
6. propose amendments to the vessel security plan to the company security officer to correct any deficiencies;
7. ensure security awareness and vigilance on board the vessel, including awareness of changes in the MARSEC level and other circumstances that might affect work conditions on board;
8. ensure that appropriate security training or orientation is provided to the vessel’s personnel in accordance with this Part; 

   (h.1) ensure that all persons employed or engaged on board a vessel, including contractors, receive security orientation that is appropriate to their duties and the time they have spent on board the vessel, in order to be able to

   i. report a security incident,

   ii. know the procedures to follow when there is a security threat, and

   iii. take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures;

   (h.2) ensure that all vessel personnel with security responsibilities receive, before carrying out any of those responsibilities, security orientation that is appropriate to their duties;

9. report security threats and security incidents to the master, the company security officer, the appropriate law enforcement agencies, the Minister and, if applicable, the port administration, as soon as possible after they occur so that an investigation can be conducted;
10. report security breaches to the Minister and, if applicable, the port administration, as soon as possible after they occur;
11. ensure that security equipment is operated, tested, calibrated and maintained in compliance with the vessel security plan; and
12. conduct security drills and exercises.

LAST UPDATED ON Jan 16, 2023