Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) (A-VI/5)

Course Introduction

Please Note: This Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course has been tailored towards potential SSO’s of luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts. For other vessel types, see the beginning of ‘Details’ in the tabs below for more vessel-type options. The aim of this Online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer Course, also referred to a Vessel Security Officer (VSO), is to provide the essential education and training meeting with the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements, the 2010 Manila Amendments, and the requirements of Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, and taking into account the guidance given in Section B-VI/5 of the Code, and Table A-VI/5.

Course Features

- 100% Online Course & Assessments

- Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved

- Fully STCW ISPS Recognised Course

- Fully Compliant with IMO Model 3.19

- This Course is IMO Whitelisted

- No Expiry on the Official Course Certificate

- Comprehensive Set of Course Notes to Keep

- Learning Confirmation Exercises Throughout

- Interactive Learning Materials

- Rapid Turnaround on Course Certification

- Flexible Learning at Your Own Pace

- Course Tailored for this Specific Sector

- Take Online or Offline (See Brochure)

Course Structure

Vessel-Tailored Ship Security Officer Course

This Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course has been tailored specifically for potential SSO’s who work on board luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts.

About This Course

The fully online, UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (STCW ISPS) Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course, is a mandatory training requirement under STCW ISPS for members of a Superyacht’s Crew intending to fulfil the role of a Ship Security Officer. The SSO is responsible for the security measures implemented on board, in accordance with the Ship Security Plan (SSP), and the ISPS Code. Amongst the many other responsibilities, SSO’s are responsible for the implementation of the security measures laid out within the Ship Security Plan at all times the yacht is underway, or in Port. As well as the ongoing maintenance of the Ship Security Plan, the SSO must ensure that all yacht’s crew members and staff, especially those being tasked with Designated Security Duties, fulfil their obligations towards the security integrity of the yacht. The course will provide the Learner with the information required to complete the required instruction under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.19, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). For information on the course Awarding Body and Certification, please view the Certifications Tab.

Course Learning Outcomes

- Understand the importance of ship security and the roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals involved in it

- Know how to assess security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations

- Understand the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems

- Know how to implement a ship security plan and related regulatory requirements

- Know how to determine the effectiveness of current security arrangements, procedures, and equipment

- Understand how to promote security awareness and vigilance on board ship

Course Structure

- The Development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

- Understand the roles and responsibilities of relevant bodies and organisations.

- The roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, Designated Authorities, and Recognised Security Organisations.

- The Security Roles & Responsibilities of Crew and Port Security Personnel.

- Measures and Procedures for Maritime Security [MARSEC] Levels.

- Recognition of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices.

- Recognition of persons who may pose a threat to the security of the ship.

- Identifying techniques used to circumvent security measures.

- The handling of Sensitive Security-Related Information [SSRI] and Communications.

- Identifying security threats including Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.

- Declarations of Security [DoS].

- The On-Scene Security Survey.

- The Ship Security Assessment [SSA].

- The Ship Security Plan [SSP].

- The provisions for maintaining security.

- Criteria for setting Maritime Security [MARSEC] levels under the ISPS Code.

- Actions to prevent weapons, dangerous substances and devices being brought on board.

- Guidance and measure for Anti-Piracy and Anti-Armed Robbery.

- Responses to Emergency Situations including Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.

- Physical Searches & Non-Intrusive Inspections.

- Crowd Management & Control Requirements.

- Crew Training, Emergency Drills & Exercises.

- European Commission [DG MOVE] and European Maritime Safety Agency.

- Port and Flag States.

- UK DfT Maritime Security and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

- Recognised Security Organisations and limitations in their use.

- The Shipping Company.

- Masters Authority and Discretion for Ship Safety and Security.

- Authority of the Duly Authorised Officer [DAO].

- The legal implications for seafarers and security personnel.

- The requirement for the provision of the ship identification number [SIN], Automatic Identification System [AIS], Ship Security Alert System [SSAS] and Long-Range Identification and Tracking [LRIT].

- The purpose and control of the continuous synopsis record [CSR].

- The purpose and use of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking [LRIT].

Regulations Addressed

- MNTB Security Courses Criteria (2nd Edition)

- Regulation VI/5 of the STCW Convention and Code (2010)

- IMO Model Course 3.19 (2012 Edition)

- Chapter XI-2 of the annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention (as amended)

- The International Ship & Port Security (ISPS) Code as amended (STCW Table A-VI/5)

Useful Information

Official MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency as Ship Security Officer Certification

The fully online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course, also referred to as Vessel Security Officer (VSO) is fully Approved under the UK Department for Transport, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course complies with the requirements placed upon it by the STCW Convention & Code, the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and meets with the Knowledge, Understanding & Proficiency (KUP) requirements laid out by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).This course is fully compliant with the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW). Any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept our certification. We have to date provided our courses into 130 countries worldwide.

Security Encrypted PDF Certificate

Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and associated official Assessment, Learners will receive an electronic security-encrypted version of your official course certificate (in secure PDF format). Certificates are usually emailed to the Learner within 24 to 48 hours of confirmation of the course results, or the next working day if the course is successfully completed on a Friday.

Awarding Body

The Proficiency Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course is fully Approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is internationally recognised and accepted. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and meets the requirements of Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code and taking into account the guidance given in Section B-VI/5 of the Code, and Table A-VI/5.

Hardcopy, Embossed Stamped Certificate

Learners may also request an embossed stamped, hardcopy certificate to be posted to their home address. This is a free-of charge service for SSO Candidates. Please note that VIRSEC is not responsible for any loss or delay of the certificate once it has been dispatched to Royal Mail. Should a Carrier Service be requested, then the relevant charges will be applied, and all payments must be made before the certificate is posted.

Certification Renewal

Under the Awarding Body (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), there are currently no expiry dates placed on the (STCW ISPS) Proficiency as Ship Security Officer course certificates. Learners do not currently have to undertake a refresher or re-certification of this course unless directed to do so by the company they are working for.

Expedited Course Certificate Service

Should a Learner require the certificate to be expedited, either after office hours, at weekends, during holidays, or other means, a surcharge of £49.95 GBP (+VAT) will be charged and sent by Secure Payment Link. Please note that all payments must be made before the certificate is sent.