Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (A-VI/6-2)

The Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Course (PDSD) is designed for individuals who work on board ships and have security duties as part of their job responsibilities. The course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their designated security duties in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

If you are about to start a career at sea then we recommend you complete this one-day course qualifying you to undertake security-related duties on-board your ship or Superyacht. This is a great qualification to add to your CV.

The Proficiency in Security Duties course is included as part of our Superyacht Deckhand Course and Superyacht Steward/ess Course.

Chapter X1-2 of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requires that all vessels over 500 gross tonnes (around 50 meters) are to comply with the I.S.P.S code which means vessels must maintain adequate security onboard at all times. To satisfy the requirements, vessels produce a ship security plan outlining what measures the ship will take to minimise the risk of unauthorised persons getting onboard. The ship security plan will involve having a number of trained crew onboard who are able to perform the security duties outlined within the plan.

Those crew members will need to complete this Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Course to familiarise themselves with the roles and responsibilities onboard.

Course Structure

The course starts at 08:30 and will finish at 17:00. The course is classroom-based with team exercises and scenarios that you will work through based on likely events. During the day your instructor will cover the following:

Overview of maritime security, terms, piracy, and armed robbery

Maritime security policy, who is responsible, and other roles onboard

Security levels and procedures onboard

Security reporting procedures

Requirements for mandatory drills and exercises

The ship security plan and how it is implemented

Security documentation and the Declaration of Security

Group exercises

Recognition of potential security threats, weapons, and hazardous substances

Security equipment