STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships

The online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships has been customised exclusively for crew and staff operating aboard Cargo Vessels, working on Offshore Wind Farms, Ferries, and Mobile Drilling Platforms. Additionally, we also offer tailored versions of the Designated Security Duties Course designed for the Cargo Ship Sector and Luxury Yacht Sector.

This online Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships, also referred to as the Vessel Security Duties (VSD) Course, is designed to provide essential education and training for crew members and staff with specific security responsibilities on board. It ensures compliance with the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) requirements outlined 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.

The online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships is fully approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and holds international recognition and acceptance. It encompasses the 2010 Manila Amendments and aligns with the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code, as well as Table A-VI/6-2.

The online Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships approved by the UK DfT MCA aligns with the Learning Outcomes established by the Merchant Navy Training Board [MNTB].

1. Know why ship security is important and knows the roles and responsibilities of the organisations and individuals involved.
2. Know what constitutes a security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations.
3. Understand the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems.
4. Know how to maintain the measures in a ship security plan and related requirements.
5. Maintain the effectiveness of security arrangements, procedures, and equipment at the three security levels, considering their limitations.

The PDSD 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.

The duration for the online Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships is 6.5 to 8 hours. This time variance is allowed in order to accommodate learner’s different reading speeds. It must be noted that the minimum time requirement must be achieved along with successful completion of the official assessments to complete the course. This is a requirement of taking this MCA Approved course.

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

Book your STCW Designated Security Duties Course for Cruise Ships at VIRSEC, where you can learn about Maritime Security Training. If you have any questions about the course or any of our other Maritime Security Training Courses, please contact us to inquire about bulk purchasing and associated discounts. You can also call us on +44 (0)161 763 4427 and ask for Olivia or Cathy who will happily assist you.

Security Encrypted PDF Certificate

Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and the associated official Assessment, learners will receive an electronic certificate in a secure PDF format, encrypted for security. Typically, certificates are emailed to learners within 24 to 48 hours of confirming the course results. If the course is successfully completed on a Friday, over the weekend, or on a Bank Holiday, certificates will be sent on the next working day.

Hardcopy, Embossed Stamped Certificate

Learners have the option to request a hardcopy certificate with an embossed stamp to be delivered to their home address. It’s important to note that VIRSEC assumes no responsibility for any loss or delay of the certificate once it’s dispatched via Royal Mail. If a Carrier Service is requested, relevant charges will apply, and all payments must be made before dispatch. If a certificate is lost or returned to VIRSEC via Royal Mail or a Carrier Service, VIRSEC does not accept any responsibility.

Expedited Course Certificate Service

In instances where learners require expedited certificate processing, such as outside of office hours, on weekends, during holidays, or under special circumstances, a surcharge of £49.95 GBP (+VAT) will be applied. Payment will be processed via a Secure Payment Link, and all payments must be settled before the certificate is dispatched. It is the responsibility of the Learner to ensure that they have enough time to take and complete the course and receive the certificate in time.

Certification Renewal

Currently, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency does not impose expiry dates on Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Cruise Ships certificates. Learners are not required to undergo refresher or re-certification unless mandated by their employer.