STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Online Course for Yachts
STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Online Course for Yachts
Online MCA Approved Maritime Security (ISPS) Course for Potential SSO’s of Luxury Superyachts, Motor Yachts, Mega Yachts, & Giga Yachts (IMO Model Course 3.19)
The objective of this online course for Ship Security Officer (SSO) or Vessel Security Officer (VSO) certification is to offer comprehensive education and training to individuals aspiring to become Ship Security Officers. It is designed to meet the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) standards specified in the 2010 Manila Amendments. This ensures that crew members assigned to the role of Ship Security Officer comply with the relevant ISPS Code regulations.
About the Course
The fully online UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (STCW ISPS) Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course is a training requirement under STCW for those Yacht Crew who aspire to assume the role of Ship Security Officer or SSO. The SSO carries responsibility for implementing appropriate security measures aboard the vessel, in accordance with the Ship Security Plan (SSP) under the ISPS Code. The SSO also oversees the implementation of security measures outlined within the Ship Security Plan (SSP) whenever the yacht is in transit or docked.
Ship Security Officers are entrusted with the maintaining of the Ship Security Plan, and must ensure that all staff and crew members, especially those crew or staff who have been tasked with Designated Security Duties, fulfil their security requirements onboard the yacht. The SSO course provides learners with the necessary instruction to meet with the mandated requirements under the MNTB KUPs, STCW, IMO Model Course 3.19, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The purpose of this online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Yachts is to provide individuals pursuing a Ship Security Officer certification with the necessary education and training. The course aligns with the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) standards outlined in STCW Table A-VI/5, which supports Chapter XI-2 of the annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, along with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Yachts is fully approved by the UK Department for Transport’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and holds international recognition and acceptance. The MCA is also included on the IMO Whitelist. This course adheres to the 2010 Manila Amendments and complies with the requirements set forth in Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4, of the STCW Convention and Code. It also follows the recommendations outlined in Section B-VI/5 of the Code and Table A-VI/5.
The online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Yachts, fully Approved under the UK DfT MCA adheres to the Learning Outcomes as detailed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).
- The learner understands the importance of ship security and the roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals involved in it.
- The learner knows how to assess security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations.
- The learner understands the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems.
- The learner knows how to implement a Ship Security Plan and related regulatory requirements.
- The learner knows how to determine the effectiveness of current security arrangements, procedures, and equipment.
- The learner understands how to promote security awareness and vigilance on board ship.
The course includes the following 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].
The online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Yachts is 19 to 21 hours in duration, generally depending on the learner’s reading, learning, and retention abilities. This minimum time must be met, and the associated assessment passed in order to complete this course. This is a mandatory requirement under the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency [MCA] regulations state that individuals who are interested in enrolling onto the SSO Course must possess either 12 months of provable sea service time or, at the discretion of the MCA, suitable sea service (being a minimum of 3 months) and familiarity with ship operations to effectively meet the listed learning objectives. By enrolling in this course, you confirm that you do meet with the minimum pre-requisites.
