Vessel Security Officer Professional Training

Vessel Security Officer

(VSO MRSCTR-573)

The Vessel Security Officer course (VSO) provides the knowledge required for Vessel Security Officers, as defined in Section A12.2 of the ISPS Code and in Section VI/5 of the STCW Code, as amended, and in particular, the duties and responsibilities with respect to the security of a vessel, for implementing and maintaining a Vessel Security Plan and for liaising with the Company Security Officer and Facility Security Officer.

Compliance and Certification

This course was reviewed by the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as outlined in 46 CFR, Part 10, Subpart D and complies with the following standards and training requirements:

U.S. Maritime Administration, Guidelines for Maritime Security Training Course Providers
Regulations 13.1 and 13.2 (Part B) of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
Model Course MTSA 08-01, Maritime Security for Vessel Security Officers (2008 edition)
IMO Model Course 3.19, Ship Security Officer (2012 edition)
STCW Convention 1978, as amended, Regulation VI/5 and STCW Code Section A-VI/5

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Onsite Training

Bring VSO to your Company. MARSEC Training can train groups as small as 2 and as large as 10. Click the button below to contact us for more information.

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Course Competencies

Vessel personnel with designated security duties will receive training in the following areas:

Undertaking regular inspections of the vessel to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained;
Maintaining and supervising the implementation of the Vessel Security Plan, including any amendments to the plan;
Coordinating the security aspects of passengers and the handling of cargo and vessel’s stores with other vessel personnel and with the relevant Facility Security Officers;
Proposing modifications to the Vessel Security Plan;
Reporting to the Company Security Officer deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections, and verifications of compliance and implementing any corrective actions;
Enhancing security awareness and vigilance on board;
Ensuring that adequate training has been provided to vessel personnel as appropriate;
Reporting all security incidents;
Coordinating implementation of the Vessel Security Plan with the Company Security Officer and the relevant Facility Security Officer;
Ensuring security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated, and maintained;
Ensuring consistency between security requirements and the proper treatment of vessel personnel affected by those requirements; and
Ensuring TWIC programs are in place and implemented appropriately.
Knowledge of the security-related provisions of the Manilla Amendments of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW).
Knowledge of port security topics required by the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006.
Knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and IMO guidance on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels.
Knowledge of the reporting requirements in case of a security incident.

Course Agenda

Introduction to Maritime Security
Maritime Security Policy
Security Responsibilities
Vessel Security Assessments and On-Scene Inspections
Security Equipment
Vessel Security Plans
Threat Identification, Recognition & Response
Vessel Security Actions
Emergency Preparedness, Drills and Exercises
Security Administration
Security Training

Nassau, Bahamas - February 18, 2016: Large luxury cruise ships of Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines docked in port of Nassau, Bahamas on sea water and cloudy sky background

Vessel Security Officer Professional Training