STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course

The fully online UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (STCW ISPS) Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course is a mandatory training requirement under STCW for members of a ship’s crew who aspire to assume the role of Ship Security Officer. The SSO bears responsibility for implementing security measures aboard the ship in accordance with the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and the ISPS Code. Among various duties, SSOs oversee the implementation of security measures outlined in the Ship Security Plan whenever the ship is in motion or docked.

Moreover, they are entrusted with maintaining the Ship Security Plan and ensuring that all crew members and staff, particularly those assigned Designated Security Duties, fulfill their security obligations onboard. The course equips learners with the necessary instruction to meet mandated requirements under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.19, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Please Note: This online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course 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 Ship Security Officer Course designed for the Luxury Yacht Sector and Cruise Ship Sector.

The online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) 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/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, while considering the guidance provided in Section B-VI/5 of the Code, and Table A-VI/5.

The Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course aligns with the Learning Outcomes established by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

1. The learner understands the importance of ship security and the roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals involved in it.
2. The learner knows how to assess security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo, and operations.
3. The learner understands the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment, and systems.
4. The learner knows how to implement a Ship Security Plan and related regulatory requirements.
5. The learner knows how to determine the effectiveness of current security arrangements, procedures, and equipment.
6. The learner understands how to promote security awareness and vigilance on board ship.

The following subjects are included in this course:

• 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 duration is approximately 19 to 21 hours depending on the learner’s varying reading and learning speeds. This minimum time must be met along with the relevant assessment in order to successfully complete this course. This is a mandatory requirement of the MCA if taking this course.

In accordance with the mandatory regulations of the UK Department for Transport Maritime & Coastguard Agency [MCA], individuals interested in enrolling in the course must have either 12 months of sea service or, at the discretion of the MCA, suitable sea service (minimum of 3 months) and familiarity with ship operations to effectively meet the learning objectives. By enrolling in this course, you confirm that you meet the specified pre-requisites.

Book your STCW Ship Security Course 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

This is a FREE service for SSO Candidates. 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 as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course certificates. Learners are not required to undergo refresher or re-certification unless mandated by their employer.