What does a confirmed security incident imply?

A confirmed security incident indicates that a real event affecting security has taken place. This means that there is verified evidence of a security breach, threat, or attack that has impacted the safety or integrity of a vessel or its operations.

When an incident is confirmed, it signifies that the situation has progressed beyond speculation or concern—it is an actual occurrence that necessitates a response from security personnel. Understanding this distinction is critical for VSO roles, as it impacts how the organization will handle the situation, including implementing emergency protocols, conducting incident investigations, or reassessing overall security measures.

The other options reflect stages of security assessment or implication but do not capture the definitive nature of a confirmed incident. For instance, identifying a potential threat or recognizing a security protocol violation does not equate to the occurrence of an actual event, nor does it imply that security measures themselves are ineffective in addressing confirmed incidents.