Why PDSD rather than PSA onboard a Superyacht? Security Duties or Security Awareness training. Working onboard a ISPS code compliant vessel, crew are often required to engage in some form of security duties as part of the ship's security plan.  The Proficiency in Designated Securities (STCW A-VI/6-2) instead of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1) is recommended. This will enhance your prospects of employment as well as career progression and not losing out on a chance to get hired (if you only have the Security Awareness certification, you may be minimizing your opportunities). The UK MCA Approved Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Superyacht Crew & Staff can be completed 100% online with the award winning company virsec.org  https://rb.gy/dpsrnc from th...

Vessel navigation and propulsion systems, cargo handling and container tracking systems at ports and on board ships, and shipyard inventories and automated processes, are all controlled using software that is fundamental to smooth running operations. Highly-skilled, non-ethical hackers continue to demonstrate their ability to penetrate systems that are used by the maritime industry, with potentially disastrous consequences. Events over the last four years continue to suggest that these types of systems are growing increasingly vulnerable to these forms of attack, resulting in extremely costly results for the sector.   VIRSEC hade developed a course is designed to provide the user, who is at any level in the company or on board ship, with a firm grounding in Maritime Cyb...

Superyacht crew often go to huge expense and travel across the globe to specifically to take a training courses at an accredited training centre. finding training dates is not always convenient available especially at short notice prior to boarding their superyacht / megayacht.   Online training could be the ideal solution with the first of its kind Superyacht Proficiency in Designated Security Duties course approved by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency specifically for superyacht crew.    Virtual Training Centre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5InBNZOJsQ   So what are the benfits.......... Saves time and money associated with traveling costs to test centres Flexible learning, available 247 - anytime, anywhere (r...

In the last 12 months Virtual Training Centre we have delivered accrdited 100% online training in 46 countries to Superyacht Crew, Shipping Companies, Cruise Lines, Crewing and Ship Management, Off-Shore O&G, Recruitment Agencies, as well as Private Clients.  The benefits of online training are apparent as it affords many advantages, not only is it cost effective, convenient reliable and efficient, it may save significant time and costs associated with travelling to a test centres with training availability.  Today, more and more companies are identifying these key benefits and implementing online training as a core part of their 'duty of care' and 'security training strategy'.  VTC realised the requirement for companies and indivi...

Taking the official UK MCA approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course online is a great way to save potentail crew memebers significant time and money. There is no need to travel to a test centre for training or to sit an exam. This can all be done through Virtual Traning Centre's eLearning platform and is 100% online.  The learner will need to upload current photographic ID and on successful completion of the course with therequired mark the learner can immediately download a proof of completion certificate. Additional official embossed certificates can be purchased for a small additional cost and posted direct http://virtual-training-centre.online/all-courses/mca-approved-stcw-isps-proficiency-in-security-awareness/  Employers ...

Listening to Superyacht crew members and their security concerns, Skills 4 Security & Training now include the following modules with a S4ST Certificate of Compentency with the all MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Maritime Security Training (SSO and PDSD) Courses, with no additional charges.   Topics include:   An introduction to Maritime Piracy - Maritime Anti-Piracy Countermeasures  -  An Introduction to Terrorism  -  An Introduction to Improvised  Explosive Devices  -  Maritime Terrorism, An Emerging Threat  -  Weapons  -  Parts & Components  -  Explosive Devices of Terrorism.  

The STCW Convention and Code, as amended by the Manila amendments (2010) contains new maritime security (MARSEC) training requirements. All personnel who are either employed or engaged on board vessels to which the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) applies require this level of training. But which course do I need to take?   Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) - This is a maritime security training course is specifically designed for all members of a ship crew members without designated security duties on board ship, and who do not require either Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) or Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) certification. This includes those wishing to work at sea, all ship crew and personnel engaged on...

To answer this question, you must understand if the Superyacht is considered as a passenger vessel (which is nothing to do with size or gross tonnage).   If there is more than 12 passengers onboard (not including crew), paying or not, on charter, if the vessel is over 500GT. Then vessel must be International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliant at all times and the crew must possess the relevant approved security training.   Most Superyachts are classed in accordance with the MCA's Large Yacht Code (whether UK flag or not), so almost all stay under 12 passengers so they don't become "passenger vessels" (ISPS has a more regulations to comply with) so technically most Superyachts are classed as "cargo vessels".   The mai...

Due to the associated threats and risks to the Maritime Industry, most waters are in range of armed robbers, maritime pirates and terrosist groups.   S4ST have included the following modules to our MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Maritime Security Training (SSO and PDSD) Courses at no extra cost and includes an dditional S4ST Certificate of Compentency in the following: Anti-Piracy & Terrorism Awareness Modules:   An introduction to Maritime Piracy / Maritime Anti-Piracy Countermeasures / An Introduction to Terrorism / An Introduction to Improvised / Explosive Devices / Maritime Terrorism, An Emerging Threat / Weapons - Parts & Components / Explosive Devices of Terrorism.

Working in the superyacht industry, travelling the world with lots of exiting exepiences is very appealing. Meeting new people along the way, lots of fun ashore and leaving some of the stresses back home. However, if you are serious about a career on Superyachts you will need a good CV. Working on a large number of vessels for short peiods may not be enought to guarentee the best postions. This industry is growing fast and many Superyachts are venturing further afield. Competition is getting tougher. Progressing through the ranks will require commitment and dedication, simply hopping form vessel to vessel may not be the right thing to do. This can also leave captains and owners in difficult situations, being let short staffed. Employers will be looking for the best candidates fullfil...