What is the appropriate action for a VSO during a security incident?

Activating the emergency response plan is the most appropriate action for a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) during a security incident. This plan is specifically designed to address various types of security threats or breaches that may occur while a vessel is in operation. By activating this plan, the VSO ensures a systematic and coordinated response, which is crucial to managing the incident effectively. The emergency response plan typically includes protocols for communication, evacuation, containment of the threat, and coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders, all of which are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of crew and cargo.

Choosing to initiate cargo loading procedures, contact the vessel's insurance, or report to the shipping company does not directly address the immediate need to manage a security incident. These actions could be relevant in different contexts but are not appropriate responses during a security breach when swift and decisive action is necessary. The focus during such incidents must be on safety and security directly, which is precisely what the emergency response plan is intended to facilitate.