Skip to main content

STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Training for Superyacht Crew

Online MCA Approved Maritime Security (ISPS) Yacht Security Awareness Course for Crew & Staff of Superyachts, Motor Yachts & Mega Yachts Without Security-Related Duties (IMO Model 3.27)

Course Introduction

The goal of this Online Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course, also known as Yacht Security Awareness Training, is to furnish the crew and personnel working aboard the various types of yachts with fundamental education and training that satisfies the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) requirements. While also complying with the 2010 Manila Amendments and adhering to the stipulations outlined in Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, as well as Table A-VI/6-1, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Here at VIRSEC, you can find all the online maritime training that you need.

Course Features

  • 100% Online Course & Assessments
  • Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved
  • Fully STCW ISPS Recognised Course
  • Fully Compliant with IMO Model 3.27
  • This Course is IMO Whitelisted
  • No Expiry on the Official Course Certificate
  • Comprehensive Set of Course Notes to Keep
  • Learning Confirmation Exercises Throughout
  • Interactive Learning Materials
  • Rapid Turnaround on Course Certification
  • Flexible Learning at Your Own Pace
  • Course Tailored for this Specific Sector
  • Take Online or Offline (See Brochure)

About the Course

As per the ISPS Code, there is a fundamental security certification mandate for individuals regularly present on or visiting vessels. This course serves as the mandatory minimum security-related training requirement under STCW ISPS for a superyacht, motor yacht, or megayacht crew or staff who are not assigned specific security duties onboard. 

The course equips learners with the essential knowledge to fulfil the mandated instruction according to STCW, the MNTB KUPs, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidelines, and IMO Model Course 3.27. This is not a security training course instructing you on security practices, but more to provide awareness of the various procedures, protocols, international codes, and conventions that are in place.

Vessel-Tailored Security Awareness Course

Our Yacht Security Awareness Training is tailored exclusively for crew and staff operating luxury superyachts, motor yachts, and mega yachts. We also offer tailored versions of the course designed for specific sectors. Therefore, if you belong to one of these other vessel types, we recommend selecting the appropriate security awareness course, be it the STCW Security Awareness Course or the STCW Security Awareness Course for Cruise Ships.

Awarding Body

The Security Awareness (PSA) Course 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, paragraph 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, as well as Table A-VI/6-1. 

Advisory Note: It is advisable to confirm with your crewing agency, vessel, or company that the administration of the yacht you will be working on accepts MCA certification. The MCA is whitelisted and internationally accepted under the Standards for Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW).

Course Learning Outcomes

The Proficiency in Security Awareness [PSA] Course Approved under the UK DfT MCA supports the Learning Outcomes as established under the Merchant Navy Training Board [MNTB].

  1. Be aware of the importance of superyacht security and the roles of those involved in its provision.
  2. Be aware of the requirements and measures to maintain superyacht security.
  3. Be able to recognise and report a security threat.

Course Duration

The duration of the online yacht security training is around 3 to 4 hours. The time for completion will differ due to 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 MCA.

Official Assessments

Upon completing each of the three learning outcomes in the online yacht security course, learners must pass an official assessment before proceeding to the next learning outcome. The UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) sets this requirement to validate comprehension of the course material. 

To successfully complete and pass the course, learners must attain a minimum score of 70% on each learning outcome. Assessments consist of randomly selected multiple-choice questions and true-or-false response questions drawn from two question banks. They are an ‘open book ’-based assessment, and you are allowed to use any notes made or the official course notes downloaded to you during the assessment to research the correct answers.

Taking the Course Online or Offline

The yacht security awareness course can be taken online but also supports the capability to be completed offline via an app, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can download the course onto the app and study even when at sea or in regions with very poor or limited internet service. When you return to land or arrive at a location with better signal reception, you can upload the course to the system and synchronise it with your user area on the LMS. 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 prerequisites for attending this online course.

Course Brochure

You can download a copy of the course brochure by Clicking Here.

Book Your Yacht Security Course at VIRSEC

Book your yacht security training here at VIRSEC, where you can learn about yacht security awareness training. If you have any questions about the course or any of our other STCW training, please contact us to inquire about bulk purchasing and associated discounts.

  • 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.

Official MCA Approved [STCW ISPS] Proficiency in Security Awareness Certification

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 security-encrypted version of their official course certificate (in secure PDF format). Certificates are typically emailed to learners within 24 to 48 hours of confirming the course results, or on the next working day if the course is successfully completed on a Friday, over the weekend period, or on a Bank Holiday.

Hardcopy Embossed Stamped Certificate

Learners have the option to request an embossed stamped, hardcopy certificate to be sent to their home address. It is important to note that VIRSEC bears no responsibility for any loss or delay of the certificate once it has been dispatched to Royal Mail. If a Carrier Service is requested, relevant charges will apply, and all payments must be made before the certificate is dispatched.

Certification Renewal

Currently, under the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, there are no expiry dates placed on the (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness course certificates. Learners are not required to undergo refresher or re-certification of this course unless mandated by their employing company.

Expedited Course Certificate Service

In cases where learners require expedited certificate processing, such as after office hours, on weekends, during holidays, or under other circumstances, a surcharge of £49.95 GBP (+VAT) will be applied and sent via Secure Payment Link. Please note that all payments must be settled before the certificate is dispatched.

  • Is this course Approved by a Flag State?

    Yes, the fully online Proficiency in Security Awareness or PSA Course, is fully Approved under the UK Department for Transport, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course complies with the requirements placed upon it by the STCW Convention & Code, the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and meets with the Knowledge, Understanding & Proficiency 9kup0 requirements laid out by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

  • Is VIRSEC open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Support?

    Learners are able to purchase courses and take them 365 days a year, 24 hours a day as we are an online company, with access to both our e-Commerce website and Learning Management System [LMS]. However, the company is open during the hours listed on its website [0900 to 1700 hrs GMT/BST Monday to Thursday, 0900 to 1500 hrs GMT/BST Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday and Bank Holidays]. Support requests may be made but will be managed during these listed office hours.

  • I have left it to the last minute to take my course and need my certificate out of hours, what happens next?

    VIRSEC are not responsible for you leaving your course until the last minute, and you run the risk of not receiving your certificate in the time needed. Certificates take up to 48 hours during the working week to turn around, and should this fall over a weekend, you may not receive the certificate until the next working day [holidays excluded]. If you require your certificate to be expedited, you may request this from VIRSEC, but we are under absolutely no obligation to do this and there will be an additional charge applied.

  • I am an experienced mariner and/or an officer, does this make a difference?

    No, we do not take into consideration your time served, nor your rank. This is an ISPS Course, and there is an acceptable minimum time set by the relevant Awarding Body and Governing Bodies. If you abuse this, or do not meet with any of these requirements, you will fail the course regardless of the score achieved in the Assessment(s). You will be required to re-take the course and associated assessments.

  • What happens if I don’t take long enough on the course?

    If you complete the course in an unrealistic time (too quickly) we will have no alternative but to fail you. It is important that you treat this like you would any officially Approved course taught in a classroom environment. The fact that it is online is not reason to abuse the requirements. As stated in other FAQs, we do allow a slight variance in timings due to individual reading speeds.

  • Can I take breaks, or do I need to complete the course in one sitting?

    You can take a break from the course at any time of your choosing. We also recommend that you have regular breaks and often build reminders into our courses. It is strongly recommended that if you are going to take a significant break, we recommend that you log out. The system will remember your progress so you may continue from that point when you log back in.

  • Is there a minimal time limit I must spend on this course?

    Yes, under the relevant Agencies and Conventions, the Security Awareness is a 4-hour course. This excludes any video content we have included [for interest], viewing of any websites linked from the course or documents also linked from the course.

    We are allowed a slight variation in timings due to individual reading speeds, but we will fail you if you exceed the allowed variance. Please note that the Course Notes are purely there for reference and revision, and any time spent reading these do not count towards your time spent on the course. This is also covered in the course itself, so make sure you spend the time necessary to study properly.

  • How do I receive my certificate when I pass?

    When you complete the course correctly and pass the Official Assessment, we will verify your time spent on the course, your submitted ID, and your Official Assessment. Once we are satisfied, we will email you a secure PDF of your certificate that you must print off and sign. These PDFs are security encrypted to prevent any tampering with information placed on them, and so you must print them off to sign with as black pen.

  • Do I need an Invigilator when taking my Official Assessment?

    No, for the Security Awareness there is no requirement for an invigilator to be present. However, we do require [as covered] that you provide the correct information on the Online Learner Verification Form and submit the required form of photo ID. This is covered in detail on the course itself.

  • Do I need to submit any documentation?

    Yes, you are required to submit an official form of ID such as a scan of your passport, driving licence, or other official photo ID. This is to ensure you are who you state yourself to be, and so we can use this ID to collect the relevant information that will populate your official course certificate. It is very easy to do and will only take you around five minutes to do.

  • Do I need to attend a Test Centre to take my assessment?

    No, the course is 100% online and you are required to adhere to the strict requirements outlined in the course explanation as well as any requests made of you during the course such as completing and submitting your online Learner Verification.

  • What happens if I fail an Assessment?

    If you fail an Assessment, you may retake it again straight away, or whenever you wish within the 6-month licence applicable to your course [licences commence the day the course is purchased, not the date they are accessed].

  • Is there an Official Assessment after the course?

    On the Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course, we have a short Assessment after each of the three Learning Outcomes. You must achieve a minimum score of 70% per Assessment to enable you to move onto the next Learning Outcome. Your overall score is an average of the three scores you achieve on the three Assessments.

  • Do I need to take notes on the course?

    No, VIRSEC provides you with a comprehensive set of Course Notes that you can download at the start of each of the Learning Outcomes. You can also use these notes to research any answers when taking the Official Assessment at the end of the course.

  • Is this course Internationally recognised?

    Yes, this course is fully compliant with the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW). Any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept our certification. We have to date provided our courses into 130 countries worldwide.

  • Is there an Online Chat Facility for Support Requests?

    VIRSEC do have a Chat Facility on their website and you may make a request for support. However, this is only manned during the hours listed on its website [0900 to 1700 hrs GMT/BST Monday to Thursday, 0900 to 1500 hrs GMT/BST Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday and Bank Holidays]. Responses to comments or enquiries may take up to 24 hours, or until the next working day as detailed.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Tara H.

I would use VIRSEC for any online training in the future. In this changing world and where online training is seen more and more I believe VIRSEC is ahead of the game.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Daniel J.

Leaner notes were very well structured and so was the information provided on all three sections of the course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Sullimar S.

The learning materials where very helpful in achieving my desired outcome. The learning development was relevant to my job. The course was well organized.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Muhammad A.

Even though these presentation are 200+ slides in total, but I think it isn't boring at all. I think this is a good course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Henri H.

The course is very clearly and easy to understand. He give me a complete refresh concerning the safety rules and why it's very important to follow the procedure. Thanks

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Bernard R.

Anyone looking for a great online course in security awareness, I highly recommend using VIRSEC.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Terence K.

In light of the security threats posed by terrorists, hijackers and smugglers, this course is very useful in mitigating the threats posed. I truly recommend it.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Pattas P. S.

There is a lot of useful information that will refresh our knowledge about how important it is to know all those security aspects that we might miss during the time we work on a ship. Thank you a lot to VIRSEC.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Neil P.

This was a great course, ticked all the right boxes. Highly recommended as a preferable way of doing this course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Benjamin S.

This was a no nonsense training session. What I enjoyed very much was the fact that I could study the material without interruptions from classmates etc. Start when it suited me and pushed as hard as I wanted. Information was presented in a professional but simple manner so anybody can easily complete this course and be satisfied that his money was well spent.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Lauren G.

This course was user friendly and easy to navigate. I also appreciated that I could take my time to complete it.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Ravi P.

Excellent course with essential information. The presentation of topics is well designed. It is worth taking this course online. Overall excellent

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Nyasha M.

The course outline is simplified and enables one to study and understand quickly. The assessment is also of great standard as it is based on material provided during the learning process. An excellent programme.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Stirbu M.

This course was a great opportunity, I learnt a lot of new things about safety and security. I highly recommend this course! Many thanks!

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Morgan A.

Amazing course, would recommend to a friend! 5 stars!

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Cristian C.

It was a really great time learning all the things regarding the different possibilities on the ships. It goes perfect with the quote "Better safe than sorry". Thanks a lot for all the information and the entire experience!