STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Online Course for Yachts
STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Online Course for Yachts
Online MCA Approved Maritime Security (ISPS) Course for Crew & Staff of Superyachts, Motor Yachts, Mega Yachts, & Giga Yachts with Security-Related Duties (IMO Model Course 3.26)
The fully online, STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Superyachts, Motor Yachts, Mega Yachts, and Giga Yachts is for those seafarers undertaking security-related duties onboard a yacht with the training deemed necessary to conduct these duties proficiently and to a professional standard. This online course meets with Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements set out in STCW Table A-VI/6-2, supporting Chapter XI-2 of the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
About the Course
The fully online UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts, also known as a Vessel Security Duties (VSD) Course, is a mandatory training prerequisite under STCW for members of a vessels Crew or Staff who report to the Ship Security Officer and have been assigned specific security responsibilities onboard the ship. The course equips learners with the necessary knowledge to meet mandated instruction requirements under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.26, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidelines.
The online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts has been customised exclusively for crew and staff operating aboard Superyachts, Motor yachts, and Mega Yachts. Additionally, we also offer tailored versions of the Designated Security Duties Course designed for the Cargo Ship Sector and Cruise Ship Sector.
The purpose of this online Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts (Vessel Security Duties or VSD) Course is to provide essential education and training for individuals assigned specific security responsibilities on board. It ensures they meet the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) standards outlined in STCW Table A-VI/6-2, in accordance with Chapter XI-2 of the annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts has received Approval from the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is internationally acknowledged and accepted. It incorporates the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to the specifications outlined in Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code, along with Table A-VI/6-2.
The online Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts approved by the UK DfT MCA aligns with the Learning Outcomes established by the Merchant Navy Training Board [MNTB].
- Know why ship security is important and knows the roles and responsibilities of the organisations and individuals involved.
- Know what constitutes a security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations.
- Understand the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems.
- Know how to maintain the measures in a ship security plan and related requirements.
- Maintain the effectiveness of security arrangements, procedures, and equipment at the three security levels, considering their limitations.
The course includes the following subjects:
- The Development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
- Understand the relevant international conventions, codes and recommendations relating to Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.
- 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.
- Security methods, equipment & systems.
- Security monitoring, monitoring equipment & systems.
- The Ship Security Alert System [SSAS].
- 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.
- Emergency Drills & Exercises.
Course Duration
The acceptable course duration for the online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Yachts is 7 to 8 hours. This time variance has been allowed to accommodate the different reading speeds of learners. However, the minimum time requirement must be met along with passing the official assessments to finish the course. This is a mandatory stipulation of taking this MCA Approved course.
There are no pre-requisites for attending this online PDSD Course.
