Which key regulations primarily govern the role of a Vessel Security Officer?

The role of a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) is primarily governed by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This code was developed in response to the 2001 terrorist attacks and aims to enhance security measures in the shipping and port facilities sector. The ISPS Code outlines specific responsibilities and requirements for ship and port facility security, including the designation of security roles, the development of security plans, and the conduct of drills and exercises.

Vessel Security Officers play a critical role in implementing these security measures, ensuring compliance with the ISPS Code, and coordinating security activities on board their vessels. Their responsibilities include assessing potential risks, determining security levels, and establishing protocols to mitigate these threats. This positioning underscores the importance of the ISPS Code in defining the framework that governs their operations and security compliance.

Other regulations, such as the International Maritime Law, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, deal with broader aspects of maritime operation, safety management systems, and emergency response protocols, respectively. While these regulations enhance overall maritime safety and security, they do not specifically address the role of the Vessel Security Officer in the same focused manner as the ISPS Code does. Thus, the IS