Access control and visitor safety onboard
What is being checked
The inspector is checking access control from the moment of approaching and boarding the vessel. The gangway watch, identity checks, visitor records, safety induction, restricted-area control, escort arrangements and the physical access route should demonstrate both security and visitor safety in normal operation.
Ready onboard
0/8 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Explain what you do when an unexpected visitor arrives without prior authorisation.
Do not grant access until identity, purpose and onboard authorisation are confirmed. Apply the company escalation route if confirmation cannot be obtained.
2How do you verify the identity and purpose of contractors, officials and service personnel?
Use approved identification and the expected-visitor or work-authorisation process, then confirm the responsible onboard contact before entry.
3What safety and security information must be given before a visitor proceeds onboard?
Cover alarms, emergency actions, smoking and prohibited-item rules, PPE, safe movement, restricted areas and the need to follow the escort or ship contact.
4How do you control access to restricted areas after a visitor has boarded?
Apply the required pass, escort and physical restricted-area controls for the visitor category and current security level.
5How does the access-control arrangement change when the security level is raised?
Apply the additional measures prescribed by the approved SSP and company instructions, brief the watch and record the change without disclosing protected details.
6During handover, how do you confirm which visitors remain onboard?
Reconcile the visitor log, passes and responsible ship contacts, then specifically hand over anyone who has not recorded departure.
Where an observation may arise
Access-control or visitor-safety procedures are absent, unclear or inconsistent with the current security level.
The access watch cannot explain identification, challenge, refusal or escalation actions.
A person is allowed onboard without adequate identity and authorisation checks.
Visitor records are incomplete, inaccurate or do not show departure from the vessel.
Visitors are not given an effective safety and security briefing.
Pass, escort or restricted-area controls are not applied as required.
The gangway or access area is unsafe, poorly lit, inadequately monitored or improperly equipped.
Past observations for practice
The inspector and Marine Supdt. were not provided with visitor passes as these were not available.
Master's practical note
The first impression is made before the inspector reaches the deck. Observe the complete boarding process as if you were an unannounced visitor: challenge, identity check, log entry, induction, PPE, pass and escort. A well-written procedure cannot recover a visibly weak gangway watch.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Access arrangements vary with terminal, anchorage, launch transfer and vessel design. The guide should not publish restricted-area layouts, security-level measures or challenge codes. The controlling requirement remains the approved SSP and company procedure.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 7.2.2
- SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
- ISGOTT, current edition, ship access and visitor safety guidance
- Company access-control procedures and approved Ship Security Plan
Last reviewed: 2026-08-25