Fully Online Security Awareness Course for Cruise Ships

UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved STCW ISPS Maritime Security Training for Crew & Staff Onboard Cruise Ships & Passenger Vessels without Security-Related Duties – IMO Model Course 3.27 (White Listed)

Introduction

The main objective of this Online Proficiency in Security Awareness or PSA Course, also known as Vessel Security Awareness (VSA), is to effectively equip crew and personnel situated aboard Cruise Ships and Passenger Vessels with vital education and training fulfilling the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) requirements of the MNTB, that complies with the 2010 Manila Amendments, and aligns with the stipulations of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, as well as Table A-VI/6-1, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

About the Course

As per the ISPS Code, individuals who regularly work on or visit vessels are required to obtain fundamental security certification. This fully online, ISPS Code-compliant, MCA-Approved (STCW & ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course, also referred to as the Vessel Security Awareness (VSA) Course meets the mandatory training requirement under STCW ISPS for crew members and associated staff working onboard cruise ships, or passenger vessels who are not assigned specific security duties onboard. The course provides learners with the necessary knowledge to meet the mandated instruction as per STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.27, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidelines. Whilst taking this online course, it should be understood that is not a security training course instructing you on security practices, but a course to provide an understanding under various Procedures, Protocols, International Codes, and Conventions as mandatory learning.

Vessel-Tailored Security Awareness Course

The Security Awareness (PSA) Course has been customised exclusively for crew and staff operating onboard Cruise Ships. Additionally, we also offer tailored versions of the Security Awareness Course designed for the Cargo and Superyacht Sectors.

Awarding Body

The Security Awareness (PSA) Course is Approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and carries international recognition and acceptance. It covers the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraph 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, as well as Table A-VI/6-1. Please Note: It is advisable to verify with your cruise company, crewing agency, or vessel that the Administration of the ship you will be working on will accept MCA Certificate. The MCA are on the whitelist and certificates are internationally accepted under the Standards for Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW).

Course Learning Outcomes

The Proficiency in Security Awareness [PSA] Course that has been fully Approved by the UK DfT MCA meets with the Learning Outcomes established by the Merchant Navy Training Board [MNTB].

1. Be aware of the importance of ship security and the roles of those involved in its provision.
2. Be aware of the requirements and measures to maintain ship security.
3. Be able to recognise and report a security threat.

Course Duration

The duration of the online Security Awareness (PSA) Course is around 3 to 4 hours. A slight variance is allowed to accommodate different reading speeds, but the minimum time requirement must be fulfilled along with the relevant official assessments to successfully finish the course. This is a mandatory requirement under the MCA.

Official Assessments

After completing each of the three Learning Outcomes in this online Security Awareness (PSA) Course, there is an official assessment that must be successfully completed before progressing to the next Learning Outcome. This requirement is mandated by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) in order to demonstrate your full understanding and learning of the course content. Learners are required to achieve a minimum score of 70% on each Learning Outcome in order to pass this course successfully. The assessments consist of multiple-choice questions and true or false response questions randomly selected from two question banks. For further details on assessments, please refer to the FAQs section of this page. This is an ‘open book’ type assessment, and it is permissible to use any notes made, or the official course notes downloads available to you during the assessment to research the correct response or responses.

Subjects 

• A working knowledge of Maritime Security Terms and Definitions, including those that relate to Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Shipping.
• An understanding of International Maritime Security Policy.
• An understanding of the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels and their impact on security measures and procedures aboard ship and in port facilities.
• How to report a security incident.
• An understanding of security-related contingency plans.
• How to recognise security threats, including Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.
• How to recognise weapons, dangerous substances and devices and an understanding of the damage they can cause.
• The importance of information security with regards to Sensitive Security-Related Information (SSRI) and Communications.
• An understanding of the importance of security related drills and exercises including those relating to Anti-Piracy and Anti -Armed Robbery.