What can a Recognized Security Organization not do under the ISPS Code and SOLAS chapter XI-2?
Short answer
| RSO may | RSO may not |
|---|---|
| Conduct the SSA and prepare the SSP | Approve an SSP it prepared, or whose SSA it prepared (ISPS A/9.2.1, B/9.4) |
| Verify the ship and issue or endorse the ISSC for the Administration (A/19.1.2, A/19.2.2) | Approve a PFSA it conducted (A/15.2.1, B/15.1) |
| Conduct a PFSA | Set the security level, approve the PFSP, designate PFSOs |
| Work under a written delegation agreement (SOLAS XI-2/13) | Exercise control and compliance measures (SOLAS XI-2/9) |
- May do: SSA, prepare an SSP, review and approve an SSP (subject to the bar), verifications and the ISSC on the Administration’s behalf (A/19.1.2, A/19.2.2), conduct a PFSA.
- Cannot approve a plan it prepared: ISPS A/9.2.1 and B/9.4: the approving RSO must not have prepared the SSA, the SSP or the amendments.
- Cannot approve a PFSA: it may conduct it; approval is the Contracting Government’s (A/15.2.1, B/15.1).
- Sovereign functions stay with the State: security level 1, 2 or 3, PFSP approval, designating PFSOs, control and compliance under SOLAS XI-2/9.
- Status: a written delegation agreement (SOLAS XI-2/13, MSC/Circ.1074), not an MOU; the Administration keeps full responsibility.
- India: M.S. (Ships and Port Facility Security) Rules 2024 under the Merchant Shipping Act 2025; DGMA keeps the non-delegable functions.
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.