Recognized security organization

A recognized security organization (RSO) is an entity authorized by a flag administration to carry out ship security duties on its behalf under the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2. An RSO may conduct the ship security assessment, review and approve the ship security plan, verify implementation, and issue or endorse the International Ship Security Certificate. Class societies commonly act as RSOs. The flag state cannot delegate the setting of security levels, which remains a government function, but it may delegate the audit, approval, and certification steps. An RSO involved in preparing a ship’s SSP cannot also approve that same plan.