Crew Familiarization

Crew familiarization is the onboard induction that briefs newly joined seafarers on the ship’s layout, equipment, and their safety and security duties before they assume responsibilities. ISPS Code Part A Section 13.4 requires personnel with specific security duties to understand them; the ISM Code Section 6.3 and STCW Regulation I/14 require familiarization on joining. The ship security officer covers restricted areas, access-control procedures, the ship security alert system, muster arrangements, and responses at each MARSEC level. It precedes the periodic security drills the SSP mandates.