Important Changes to ISPS CODE Training Courses
New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Instructions Dated 31st July 2012
The STCW Convention and Code as amended by the Manila amendments (2010) contains new requirements regarding security training. This training is required by all personnel employed or engaged onboard ships to which the ISPS Code applies. These Regulations came into force on 1 January 2012. (MCA instructions)
IMSA Ltd have modified their training package in order to comply with the above amendments, and added two new courses which are MCA Approved:
• Proficiency in Security Awareness
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
So What Do These Changes Mean To The Shipping And Maritime Security Industry?
Shipping Industry;
Training Requirements
In addition to the existing Ship Security Officer (SSO) training (which is unchanged) the amendments to the STCW Convention brings in three new levels of security training:
• Security related familiarisation;
• Proficiency in security awareness; and
• Proficiency in designated security duties.
Security Related Familiarisation
Security related familiarisation training must be delivered by the SSO, or other equally qualified person, to all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, prior to them being assigned shipboard duties. This instruction should emphasise ship specific security issues and provide guidance for the seafarer to at least be able to:
• report a security incident, including a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack;
• know the procedures to follow when they recognise a security threat; and
• take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures.
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Security awareness training must be undertaken by all seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the ISPS Code. This training leads to the issue of a STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness. On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be able to:
• Contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness;
• Recognise security threats; and
• Understand the need for, and methods of, maintaining security awareness and vigilance.
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
Training in designated security duties must be undertaken by seafarers engaged on ships which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, who have designated duties under the ships security plan. This training leads to the issue of an STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be able to:
• Maintain the conditions set out in a ship security plan;
• Recognise security risk and threats;
• Undertake regular security inspections; and
• Properly use security equipment and systems
Maritime Security Industry
Those carrying out personal close protection and/or ship protection duties on ISPS Code compliant ships do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel on which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ships security duties they will have to hold an MCA approved or recognised Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. (MCA instructions)
The introduction of PDSD course clarifies the situation regarding what security related training is required by a person looking to enter the Maritime Security industry. Up until now the vast majority of PMSC’s have insisted that amongst the minimum qualifications required in order to be considered for an appointment, the candidate must have attended an SSO course. The MCA were uncomfortable about this as the qualification should only be held by the appointed Ship Security Officer under the ISPS Code who has a minimum of 12 months sea service on a merchant vessel, clearly most of the former military personnel do not fulfil these entry conditions. There is a need for the PCASP to understand the ISPS Code, the security regime on the ship and their security responsibilities under the code. IMSA Ltd have been aware that the SSO course is not the correct course for a PCASP as there are a number of irrelevant modules but until now there has been no MCA approved and certificated course that is applicable to the role of PCASP. The brand new PDSD course offered by IMSA Ltd will give the candidate the necessary knowledge to enable him to carry out his duties under the ISPS Code. This should simplify the whole process for anyone looking to enter the maritime security market.
New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Instructions Dated 31st July 2012
The STCW Convention and Code as amended by the Manila amendments (2010) contains new requirements regarding security training. This training is required by all personnel employed or engaged onboard ships to which the ISPS Code applies. These Regulations came into force on 1 January 2012. (MCA instructions)
IMSA Ltd have modified their training package in order to comply with the above amendments, and added two new courses which are MCA Approved:
• Proficiency in Security Awareness
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
So What Do These Changes Mean To The Shipping And Maritime Security Industry?
Shipping Industry;
Training Requirements
In addition to the existing Ship Security Officer (SSO) training (which is unchanged) the amendments to the STCW Convention brings in three new levels of security training:
• Security related familiarisation;
• Proficiency in security awareness; and
• Proficiency in designated security duties.
Security Related Familiarisation
Security related familiarisation training must be delivered by the SSO, or other equally qualified person, to all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, prior to them being assigned shipboard duties. This instruction should emphasise ship specific security issues and provide guidance for the seafarer to at least be able to:
• report a security incident, including a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack;
• know the procedures to follow when they recognise a security threat; and
• take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures.
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Security awareness training must be undertaken by all seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the ISPS Code. This training leads to the issue of a STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness. On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be able to:
• Contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness;
• Recognise security threats; and
• Understand the need for, and methods of, maintaining security awareness and vigilance.
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
Training in designated security duties must be undertaken by seafarers engaged on ships which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, who have designated duties under the ships security plan. This training leads to the issue of an STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be able to:
• Maintain the conditions set out in a ship security plan;
• Recognise security risk and threats;
• Undertake regular security inspections; and
• Properly use security equipment and systems
Maritime Security Industry
Those carrying out personal close protection and/or ship protection duties on ISPS Code compliant ships do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel on which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ships security duties they will have to hold an MCA approved or recognised Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. (MCA instructions)
The introduction of PDSD course clarifies the situation regarding what security related training is required by a person looking to enter the Maritime Security industry. Up until now the vast majority of PMSC’s have insisted that amongst the minimum qualifications required in order to be considered for an appointment, the candidate must have attended an SSO course. The MCA were uncomfortable about this as the qualification should only be held by the appointed Ship Security Officer under the ISPS Code who has a minimum of 12 months sea service on a merchant vessel, clearly most of the former military personnel do not fulfil these entry conditions. There is a need for the PCASP to understand the ISPS Code, the security regime on the ship and their security responsibilities under the code. IMSA Ltd have been aware that the SSO course is not the correct course for a PCASP as there are a number of irrelevant modules but until now there has been no MCA approved and certificated course that is applicable to the role of PCASP. The brand new PDSD course offered by IMSA Ltd will give the candidate the necessary knowledge to enable him to carry out his duties under the ISPS Code. This should simplify the whole process for anyone looking to enter the maritime security market.