Which ISPS documents can a Recognized Security Organization issue or approve, and what can it not do?
Short answer
| Function | RSO | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Verifications | Yes, when entrusted by the Administration | ISPS A/19.1.2 |
| Issue or endorse the ISSC | Yes, on the Administration’s behalf | ISPS A/19.2.2 |
| Carry out the SSA, prepare the SSP | Yes | ISPS Part A |
| Approve the SSP of a ship whose SSA or SSP it prepared | No | ISPS A/9.2.1 |
| Set the security level | No, Contracting Government | ISPS A/4.1 |
| Control and compliance measures | No, Government | SOLAS XI-2/9 |
- Trap: the RSO CAN issue the ISSC on the Administration’s behalf (ISPS A/19.2.2) and may carry out the verifications (A/19.1.2).
- Conflict bar (A/9.2.1): the RSO that prepared a ship’s SSA or SSP cannot review and approve that ship’s SSP.
- Government-only: setting the security level (A/4.1), SOLAS XI-2/9 control, waivers and exemptions stay with the Contracting Government or Administration.
- Responsibility stays with the flag: the certificate is issued only when the Administration is fully satisfied (§19.4.1).
- India: DGMA is the Administration; it or its authorized RSO issues the ISSC and approves the SSP under the same bar.
- As Chief Engineer: I am not the SSO, but I know the RSO verifies and certifies; it cannot approve a plan it wrote or set the security level.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.