STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Cruise Ships

This online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course has been specifically tailored for crew and personnel working on Cruise Ships & Passenger Vessels. Furthermore, we offer specialised versions of the online Ship Security Officer Course, customised for the Cargo Ship Sector and Luxury Yacht Sector.

The purpose of this online Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Cruise Ships is to provide crewmembers pursuing a Ship Security Officer certification with the relevant education professional training. The course meets with the Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency (KUP) standards outlined in STCW Table A-VI/5, which supports Chapter XI-2 of the annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended, along with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Cruise Ships is officially approved by the UK Department for Transport’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is recognised internationally. The MCA is listed on the IMO Whitelist. This course aligns with the 2010 Manila Amendments and meets the standards outlined in Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4, of the STCW Convention and Code. It also incorporates the guidance provided in Section B-VI/5 of the Code and follows Table A-VI/5 requirements.

The online Proficiency as Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course for Cruise Ships Approved by the UK DfT MCA 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 course includes the following subjects:

• 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 for Cruise Ships duration is approximately 19 to 21 hours depending on the learner’s reading and learning / retention abilities. This minimum time requirement must be met, and the associated assessment successfully passed in order to fully complete this online course. This is a mandatory stipulation under the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

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 prerequisites.

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 for Cruise Ships certificates. Learners are not required to undergo refresher or re-certification unless mandated by their employer.