Proficiency in Security Awareness (A-VI/6)

Course Introduction

Please Note: This Security Awareness (PSA) Course has been tailored towards crew & staff of luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts. For other vessel types, see the beginning of ‘Details’ in the tabs below for more vessel-type options. The aim of this Online Proficiency in Security Awareness Course, also referred to as a Vessel Security Awareness (VSA), is to provide those crew and staff onboard of Superyachts, Motor Yachts & Mega Yachts, with the essential education and training meeting with the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements, the 2010 Manila Amendments, and the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, and Table A-VI/6-1, and the International Ship and Port Facility security (ISPS) Code.

Course Features

- 100% Online Course & Assessments

- Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved

- Fully STCW ISPS Recognised Course

- Fully Compliant with IMO Model 3.27

- This Course is IMO Whitelisted

- No Expiry on the Official Course Certificate

- Comprehensive Set of Course Notes to Keep

- Learning Confirmation Exercises Throughout

- Interactive Learning Materials

- Rapid Turnaround on Course Certification

- Flexible Learning at Your Own Pace

- Course Tailored for this Specific Sector

- Take Online or Offline (See Brochure)

Course Structure

Vessel-Tailored Security Awareness Course

This Security Awareness (PSA) Course has been tailored specifically for crew and staff, who work on board luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts.

About This Course

Under the ISPS Code, there is a minimum security certification requirement for anyone who is working onboard or frequenting a vessel often. This fully online, ISPS Code compliant, MCA Approved (STCW & ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course is the mandatory, minimum training requirement under STCW ISPS for members of a Superyacht, Motor Yacht or Mega Yacht’s Crew or Staff, who do not have assigned designated security duties on board the vessel. The course will provide the Learner with the information required to complete the required instruction under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.27, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). For information on the course Awarding Body and Certification, please view the Certifications Tab.

Course Learning Outcomes

- Contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness

- Be able to recognise and report a security threat

- Understand the need for, and methods of, maintaining security awareness and vigilance

Regulations Addressed

- The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Security Courses Criteria (2nd Edition)

- Regulation VI/6 para 1, and Section A-VI/6, para 4 of the STCW Convention and Code (2010)

- International Maritime Organization (IMO) Model Course 3.27

- The International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code 2004, as amended (STCW Table A-VI/6-1)

Course Structure

- A working knowledge of Maritime Security Terms and Definitions, including those that relate to Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.

- An understanding of International Maritime Security Policy.

- An understanding of the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels and their impact on security measures and procedures aboard ship and in port facilities.

- How to report a security incident.

- An understanding of security-related contingency plans.

- How to recognise security threats, including Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.

- How to recognise weapons, dangerous substances and devices and an understanding of the damage they can cause.

- The importance of information security with regards to Sensitive Security-Related Information (SSRI) and Communications.

- An understanding of the importance of security related drills and exercises including those relating to Anti-Piracy and Anti -Armed Robbery.

Useful Information

Official MCA Approved [STCW ISPS] Proficiency in Security Awareness Certification

The fully online Proficiency in Security Awareness or PSA Course, is fully Approved under the UK Department for Transport, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course complies with the requirements placed upon it by the STCW Convention & Code, the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and meets with the Knowledge, Understanding & Proficiency requirements laid out by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). This course is fully compliant with the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW). Any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept our certification. We have to date provided our courses into 130 countries worldwide.

Security Encrypted PDF Certificate

Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and associated official Assessment, Learners will receive an electronic security-encrypted version of your official course certificate (in secure PDF format). Certificates are usually emailed to the Learner within 24 to 48 hours of confirmation of the course results, or the next working day if the course is successfully completed on a Friday.

Awarding Body

The Security Awareness (PSA) Course is fully Approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is internationally recognised and accepted. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and meets the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 of the STCW Convention and Code, and Table A-VI/6-1.

Hardcopy, Embossed Stamped Certificate

Learners may also request an embossed stamped, hardcopy certificate to be posted to their home address. Please note that VIRSEC is not responsible for any loss or delay of the certificate once it has been dispatched to Royal Mail. Should a Carrier Service be requested, then the relevant charges will be applied, and all payments must be made before the certificate is posted.

Certification Renewal

Under the Awarding Body (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), there are currently no expiry dates placed on the (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness course certificates. Learners do not currently have to undertake a refresher or re-certification of this course unless directed to do so by the company they are working for.

Expedited Course Certificate Service

Should a Learner require the certificate to be expedited, either after office hours, at weekends, during holidays, or other means, a surcharge of £49.95 GBP (+VAT) will be charged and sent by Secure Payment Link. Please note that all payments must be made before the certificate is sent.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Morgan A.

Amazing course, would recommend to a friend! 5 stars!

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Stirbu M.

This course was a great opportunity, I learnt a lot of new things about safety and security. I highly recommend this course! Many thanks!

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Nyasha M.

The course outline is simplified and enables one to study and understand quickly. The assessment is also of great standard as it is based on material provided during the learning process. An excellent programme.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Ravi P.

Excellent course with essential information. The presentation of topics is well designed. It is worth taking this course online. Overall excellent

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Lauren G.

This course was user friendly and easy to navigate. I also appreciated that I could take my time to complete it.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Benjamin S.

This was a no nonsense training session. What I enjoyed very much was the fact that I could study the material without interruptions from classmates etc. Start when it suited me and pushed as hard as I wanted. Information was presented in a professional but simple manner so anybody can easily complete this course and be satisfied that his money was well spent.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Neil P.

This was a great course, ticked all the right boxes. Highly recommended as a preferable way of doing this course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Pattas P. S.

There is a lot of useful information that will refresh our knowledge about how important it is to know all those security aspects that we might miss during the time we work on a ship. Thank you a lot to VIRSEC.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Terence K.

In light of the security threats posed by terrorists, hijackers and smugglers, this course is very useful in mitigating the threats posed. I truly recommend it.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Bernard R.

Anyone looking for a great online course in security awareness, I highly recommend using VIRSEC.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Henri H.

The course is very clearly and easy to understand. He give me a complete refresh concerning the safety rules and why it's very important to follow the procedure. Thanks

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Muhammad A.

Even though these presentation are 200+ slides in total, but I think it isn't boring at all. I think this is a good course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Sullimar S.

The learning materials where very helpful in achieving my desired outcome. The learning development was relevant to my job. The course was well organized.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Daniel J.

Leaner notes were very well structured and so was the information provided on all three sections of the course.

PSA Testimonial Reference by: Cristian C.

It was a really great time learning all the things regarding the different possibilities on the ships. It goes perfect with the quote "Better safe than sorry". Thanks a lot for all the information and the entire experience!