SSO v PDSD

M

MarSecOps

Full Registered User
There seems to be some need for clarity on this matter on the forum.

The Manila Agreement, according to the IMO should not be implemented by signatory states until Jan 2014, a fact acknowledged on the MCA webpages.

In this respect, most maritime security providers, including SecureScot and Horizon Security Solutions, will insist on a SSO certificate to demonstrate the candidate has a clear understanding of the ISPS Code. PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties) certification will become mandatory for ships crew with roles within the Ship Security Plan as of Jan '14.

It may become acceptable by MARSEC employers, by then, that a PDSD Cert is sufficient for potential employees. (My view is that this should be the case), However in the interim, the SSO Qual is the universally acceptable certificate for those seeking tasking in the industry.

SecureScot.com continue to deliver what the industry requires and will always adjust to change. This is posted to counter any portrayal that change has already taken place.

Yours aye,

Roger
 
This from the MCA. It is in force NOW and has been since Jan 2012, however it will not be enforced by Port State Control checks until Jan 2014. These are a selected couple of paragraphs. The whole document can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/ship_security_min_online_ver_20-12-12.pdf

The Bottom line and irrespective of who the training provider is, why should guys spend their hard earned cash on a course that's been superseded by a less expensive and less time consuming mandatory course that is in force now.

New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel

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, however, Port State Control
Officers have been requested by IMO not to enforce this regulation until 1 January
1. provided that the vessel otherwise complies with the ISPS code (see IMO

circulars STCW Circ.7/16 and STCW Circ.7/17)


* 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.

These changes are embodied in STCW Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 with non
mandatory guidance Section B-VI/6.

Personal close protection and ship protection duties

1. 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 in 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. Please refer to
section 3.9 of “Interim Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on the Use of Armed
Guards to Defend Against the Threat of Piracy in Exceptional Circumstances” for
further guidance.
 
All noted and aware (see post 2).
In brief the problem is having put guys through PDSD in the last year, a few have come back to do another day for SSO Cert (without STCW endorsement); the reason? their prospective employing company demands it. That is the point to this post, there needs to be uniformity across MarSec employers. Perhaps SAMI need to be more proactive/prescriptive?
 
Back
Top