Book excerpt: This model course has been based on MSC/Circ.1154, 'Guidelines on training and certification for Company Security Officers', and aims to provide knowledge to those who may be designated to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Company Security Officer (CSO), as defined in paragraph 2.1.7 (and paragraph11) of the ISPS Code, Part A, and in particular the duties and responsibilities with respect to the security of a ship, for ensuring the development (or for developing) of a ship security assessment, for ensuring the development (or for developing), implementation, maintenance and updating of a ship security plan and for liaising with Ship Security Officers (SSOs) and with Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs).