Online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Cruise Ships

UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved

STCW ISPS Maritime Security Training for Potential Ship Security Officers Onboard Cruise Ships & Passenger Vessels – IMO Model Course 3.19 - Internationally Recognised 

The aim of this Online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course, also referred to as a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course, is to present the learner with the relevant training and information meeting with the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements, the requirements of Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, the 2010 Manila Amendments, and considering the guidance provided in Section B-VI/5 of the Code, the International Ship and Port Facility security (ISPS) Code, and Table A-VI/5.

About the 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 ship’s Crew who aspire to assume the role of Ship Security Officer. The SSO bears responsibility for implementing security measures aboard the ship in accordance with the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and the ISPS Code. Among various duties, SSOs oversee the implementation of security measures outlined in the Ship Security Plan whenever the vessel is in docked or in motion.

SSO’s are entrusted with maintaining the Ship Security Plan as well as ensuring that all crew members and staff, mainly those assigned with Designated Security Duties, fulfill their security obligations onboard the ship. The course fully equips learners with the necessary information to meet mandated instruction requirements under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.19, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidelines.

Vessel-Tailored Ship Security Officer Course

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course has been customised exclusively for potential SSOs operating onboard Cruise Ships. Additionally, we also offer tailored versions of the Ship Security Officer Course designed for the cargo ship and superyacht Sector.

Awarding Body

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course is fully approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) holding international recognition and acceptance. It encompasses the 2010 Manila Amendments and aligns with the requirements of Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, while considering the guidance provided in Section B-VI/5 of the Code, and Table A-VI/5. Please Note: Confirm with your ship, crewing agency, or company that the Administration of the vessel you will be working on accepts the UK MCA Certification. The MCA are whitelisted under the Standards for Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW).

Course Learning Outcomes

The Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course approved by the UK DfT MCA aligns with the Learning Outcomes established by the Merchant Navy Training Board [MNTB].

1. The learner understands the importance of ship security and the roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals involved in it.
2. The learner knows how to assess security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations.
3. The learner understands the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems.
4. The learner knows how to implement a Ship Security Plan and related regulatory requirements.
5. The learner knows how to determine the effectiveness of current security arrangements, procedures, and equipment.
6. The learner understands how to promote security awareness and vigilance on board ship.

Course Duration

The online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course duration is approximately 16.5 to 21 hours depending on the learner’s reading and learning / retention abilities. This minimum time must be met, and the associated assessment passed in order to complete this course. This is mandatory under the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Subjects

• 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].