The Security Team is responsible for implementing and enforcing the ship’s security policies. Members are tasked with preserving the safety of crew members, guests, and the vessel through their observations and quick response to incidents and/or situations. Operating, maintaining, and be familiar with the location of all security and safety related equipment. Solving passenger complaints, conduct frequent security inspections on the crew quarters. Monitor the day/night security and prepare a log of activities during the nighttime hours for presentation to the management team. Produce a night report, hand over and follow up. Investigations, evidence preservation and reporting. Coordinate with local law enforcement, and shoreside team. Report any abuse of the ship's property or shipboard regulations. Keep track of everyone onboard, zero count. Familiar with CCTV operation. Conflict management, visitor approval, confinement and interviewing skills.

Here is a broad overview of duties and responsibilities, as related to each position. This varies from company to company, as well as details, and title of position.

Security Guard - patrolling, safety rounds, gangway/ access control, incident, and accident response and reporting. Luggage screening, and person search. Customer service, and communication skills.

Security Supervisor - oversees gangway operation, scheduling, incident response, investigation, and report writing. They deter and respond to shipboard incidents, oversee daily security staff, prepare and conduct demonstration, and training for new hires and current staff. Attend meetings and training programs in compliance with cruise line regulations. They also ensure no prohibited items are brought on board the vessel.

Senior Supervisor/ Security Officer - leads a team responsible for protecting premises, assets, and personnel, planning and conducting security audits, and assessing security risks. Manage and lead the security team. Ensures guest and crew safety by observing and reporting incidents. Comprehensive, knowledge, and understanding of relevant equipment, processes, and strategies to promote effective security.

Deputy Chief Security Officer - Supervise security staff. Responsible for security and safety related training. Supervision of gangway staff. Follow and implement Ship Security Plan. Responsible for locking plan, issuing of keys. Maintain order and conduct throughout the vessel. Conduct frequent security inspections. supervises security staff, implements the Ship Security Plan, maintains order, and conducts frequent security inspections. They ensure the safety of crew members, guests, and the vessel by observing and reporting unusual incidents. Knowledgeable about relevant equipment, processes, and strategies for effective security, and to teach to others.

Chief Security Officer - crucial in maintaining the vessel's security and ensuring that the company policy and ISPC code is effectively applied. They are responsible for implementing measures, conducting regular security assessments, conducting crime prevention, managing security filing systems, and coordinating daily routine operations. They also act as a point of contact for port security personnel, and law enforcement. They have the day to day responsibility that every aspect of the ship security plan, and relevant policies and procedures are carried out.

Cruise ships are one of the safest vacation options in the world, with rates of serious crimes that are exceedingly lower than those on land. Due to multiple layers of security, allegations of major crimes on cruise ships are extremely rare.

Ensuring Security at Sea

• Comprehensive Security: The cruise industry follows comprehensive security protocols, both prior to departure and at sea. Passengers, crew, and baggage must pass through rigorous security checkpoints before boarding. In addition to video surveillance and around-the-clock onboard emergency contacts, cruise ships keep an official manifest that lists everyone onboard. Proof of identity is required to access a cruise ship, and only crew, ticketed passengers and those on a pre-approved list may enter.

• Highly Trained Security Personnel: Exceptionally trained ship security personnel are on call 24/7. Major cruise lines have sophisticated security departments, in some cases run by former federal, state and military law enforcement officials and are staffed by competent, qualified security personnel. Every ship sailing to or from the U.S. must have at least one crew member onboard specifically trained in crime prevention, detection, and reporting.

• Transparency in Crime Reporting: The cruise industry is deeply committed to transparency in crime reporting. For alleged crimes involving foreign citizens outside of U.S. waters, the victim’s home country has the full authority to investigate, as well as local law enforcement and the country where the ship is registered.

• Video surveillance tracks onboard activity..

• Cruise lines keep a record of passengers, officers, staff, and crew, which is shared with authorities.

• Divers inspect the ship before departure, and dogs are utilized for provision security.

• World events may require itinerary changes.

• All supply shipments are checked.

• Always accurate overview of the number of crew and guests onboard is crucial.

• The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act compels cruise operators to register theft, disappearance, and sexual assault events and report them to law enforcement. 

• Cruise ships have well-equipped infirmaries and "Care Teams" for emergencies.

Cruse Ship Security: Application and full Process