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ISPS Code — Lloyd's Maritime Institute CSO certified, July 2026

Company Security Officer (CSO) services

Contracted CSO services for vessel owners and operators under the ISPS Code — ensuring your Ship Security Plan is current, your Ship Security Officer is properly supported, and your vessel meets the security requirements of every port state it enters.

What the ISPS Code requires

The CSO role

The ISPS Code requires every company operating a vessel subject to it to designate a Company Security Officer (CSO). The CSO is responsible for ensuring that a Ship Security Assessment is carried out, that a Ship Security Plan (SSP) is developed and submitted for approval, and that security is properly implemented and maintained at the company level.

The CSO must have knowledge of security assessment, current security threats and patterns, recognition and detection of weapons, and the requirements of the ISPS Code. For smaller operators, an external contracted CSO provides this function without the cost of a dedicated in-house appointment.

Scope of service

What is covered

  • Acting as the named CSO in the Ship Security Plan
  • Ensuring the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) reflects current threats
  • Liaising with the Ship Security Officer (SSO) on board
  • Ensuring the SSP is current, appropriate, and approved by the flag state
  • Coordinating security-related audits, drills, and training
  • Acting as the point of contact with port facilities, flag state authorities, and law enforcement agencies on security matters
  • Reviewing and updating the SSP following any security incident
ISPS Code in the South Pacific

Security in this region

Port state control in New Zealand, Australia, and across the Pacific island states takes ISPS compliance seriously. Vessels without a current ISSC or with gaps in their SSP are regularly detained or refused port entry. The complexity increases for vessels transitioning between flag states or arriving from ports with varying security levels — exactly the situation common on a South Pacific circuit. A CSO with direct regional experience reduces the risk of port-state compliance surprises before they become detentions.

Combined with DPA

DPA/CSO combined service

Many smaller operators find it practical to appoint the same person as both DPA and CSO — one contact who understands both the safety and the security management systems, with a consistent view of the vessel's overall compliance position. We offer DPA/CSO as a combined retainer at a reduced rate compared to the two services appointed separately. Ask about this option when you book your consultation.

Read about DPA services →

Need a Company Security Officer?

Book a free 15-minute call to discuss your vessel’s ISPS requirements.