At 0300 you receive a message from the company raising the vessel to Security Level 2 as you approach a West African port. What does Security Level 2 require, and what actions should you take as OOW?

A. Security Level 2 (heightened risk) requires enhanced protective security measures. As OOW: notify the master immediately; implement the SSP measures specified for MARSEC 2 including increased deck patrols, enhanced access control, more thorough cargo/stores searches, and ensuring all non-essential access points are secured. Record the time of the level change in the security log.

B. Security Level 2 means a specific threat to the ship has been identified. Immediately stop the vessel and contact the nearest coastal state for armed escort.

C. Security Level 2 requires the ship to return to the last port of call. The OOW should alter course immediately and advise the company.

D. Security Level 2 is for port use only. No action is required at sea — the OOW should continue normal watch duties and brief the master at the next watch handover.

A. The International Safety Management Code is a mandatory international standard for the safe management and operation of ships. It is given mandatory effect by SOLAS Chapter IX, which requires companies and ships of 500 GT and above on international voyages to hold a Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

B. The ISM Code is a voluntary industry guideline published by the ICS that sets out best practice for ship safety management. Compliance is required for ships over 3,000 GT only.

C. The ISM Code is an MCA statutory requirement published under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. It applies to all UK-flagged vessels regardless of size.

D. The ISM Code is mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI for vessels in emission control areas and requires a Safety Management System to be in place covering pollution prevention.

A. The Document of Compliance (DOC) is issued to the company by the flag state or a recognised organisation on its behalf, confirming the company's SMS meets ISM Code requirements. The Safety Management Certificate (SMC) is issued to each individual ship, confirming the ship's SMS operates in conformity with the approved DOC.

B. The DOC is issued to the master personally confirming the master is competent to manage the ship's SMS. The SMC is issued to the company for all its ships collectively.

C. Both the DOC and the SMC are issued to the ship by the port state control authority after a PSC inspection. They are valid for the port in which the inspection took place.

D. The DOC covers environmental management under MARPOL and the SMC covers safety management under SOLAS. Both are issued to the ship owner.