Who do the Ship Security Officer (SSO) STCW requirements apply to?
The SSO requirements apply to all vessels subject to STCW under current regulations. This includes all seagoing vessels, as defined in 46 CFR 15.1101 to mean self-propelled vessels engaged in commercial service that operate beyond the Boundary Line established by 46 CFR Part 7, EXCEPT those vessels which have been determined to be otherwise exempt from STCW and/or not subject to STCW as per 46 CFR 15.103(e)(f) and NVIC 7-00. Accordingly, all self-propelled vessels engaged in commercial service that operate in near coastal and oceans waters are subject to the SSO requirements, EXCEPT the following: 1.) vessels < 200 GRT / 500GT engaged in domestic voyages, other than passenger vessels subject to 46 CFR Subchapter H; 2.) small passenger vessels subject to 46 CFR Subchapter T or K engaged in domestic voyages; 3.) uninspected passenger vessels as defined in 46 USC 2101(42); 4.) fishing vessels and fishing vessels used as fish-tender vessels as defined in 46 USC 2101(11a) & (11c); and, 5.)
