Online Security Awareness (PSA) Course – Liberian Registry

About the Course

In accordance with the ISPS Code, there exists a foundational requirement for security certification for individuals who are regularly onboard vessels or visit them. Our fully online, ISPS Code-compliant, Liberian Registry (LISCR) Approved (STCW & ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course fulfils the essential mandatory training criteria set by STCW ISPS for crew or staff on Vessels who do not have designated security responsibilities onboard.

This course provides learners with the necessary knowledge to meet the prescribed training standards outlined by STCW, the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUPs), IMO Model Course 3.27, and the Liberian Registry guidelines.

Awarding Body

The Course has received complete Approval from the Liberian Registry (LISCR). It covers the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to the specifications outlined in Section A-VI/6, paragraph 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, along with Table A-VI/6-1. Note: Please confirm with your vessel, crewing agency, or company that the Administration of the vessel you will be working on accepts the Liberian Registry (LISCR) Certification. Important: Please ensure that you read the information contained within the CERTIFICATIONS Tab on this course page.

Course Learning Outcomes

The Security Awareness Course meets with the following Learning Outcomes:

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 Liberian Registry.

Official Assessments

Upon successful completion of each of the three Learning Outcomes there is an official assessment that must be passed in order to move ono the following Learning Outcome. Learners must achieve the minimum score of 70% on each of the Learning Outcomes to successfully complete and pass the course. This is referred to as an ‘open book’ assessment, and it is permissible to use any notes you have made or use the official course notes downloads that were made available to you during the course, in the assessments to research the correct responses.

Taking the Course Online or Offline

We provide you with the option to complete the course entirely online, as expected. Or via an offline capability accessible through an app, via Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can download the course to the app and study even while at sea or in areas with poor internet connectivity. Once you return to land or a location with good signal quality, you can upload the course to the system and synchronise it with your user area on the LMS [https://virseclms.org]. For further information on accessing the course(s) offline, please reach out to us at training@virsec.org.

Pre-Requisites of Taking the Online Course

There are no pre-requisites for attending this online course.

Course Brochure

You can download a copy of the course brochure using the button in the top banner area.

Bulk Purchases

To make enquiries regarding bulk purchasing and associated discounts, please contact us at training@virsec.org.

• 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.

Liberian Registry (LISCR) Official Certificate Process

VIRSEC Completion of Course Certificate Stage

Upon successful completion of the course and associated assessment, VIRSEC will verify your ID, the time spent on the course, and your assessment score. Once all has been successfully verified, we will email you a digital copy of the Completion of Course Certificate. This certificate will act as proof of course attendance and successful completion that must then be sent to the Liberian Registry to receive the Official Liberian Registry Approved Certificate. The processes for both Liberian Seaman’s Identification & Records Book holders, and non-holders are detailed below. Please ensure you fully understand the process for certification purposes.

For Liberian Seaman’s Book Holders

For mariners holding the Liberian Seaman’s Identification & Records Book, you can apply directly for the official certificate and there will be a small administration charge to you from the Liberian Registry (approximately USD $45 – This may be subject to change).

Whilst waiting for your official certificate, you may request from the Liberian Registry a ‘Certificate Receipt Application (CRA)’ to prove you have passed the course and have applied and waiting for the official certificate from the Liberian Registry. You can search for and download M. Notice RLM-118 from the Liberian Registry website for all relevant information and application processes.

For Non-Liberian Seaman’s Book Holders

For mariners who do not hold the Liberian Seaman’s Identification & Records Book, you must apply for a Liberian Seaman’s Identification & Records Book (applications via Liberian Registry cost USD $70 at present – subject to change) and there is a 2-week turnaround on this. Once you have your Liberian Seaman’s Identification & Records Book, you can apply for the official certificate, and there will be a small administration charge to you from the Liberian Registry (approximately USD $45 – This may be subject to change).

Whilst waiting for your official certificate, you may request from the Liberian Registry a ‘Certificate Receipt Application (CRA)’ to prove you have passed the course and have applied and waiting for the official certificate from the Liberian Registry. You can the search for and download M. Notice RLM-118 from the Liberian Registry website for all relevant information and application processes.

Please Note: The Liberian Registry recommend that you check whether their certificate is accepted by the (a) vessel, (b) company, or (c) Flag Administration for whose vessel you will be working on. Regardless of IMO Whitelisting, certain countries Administrations do not accept Liberian Registry certificates.