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What are the STCW Maritime Security Courses? - IMO STCW Courses

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Maritime Security Courses and Training under ISPS Code and STCW for Seafarers and Port Security Personnel


The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) was agreed at IMO in December 2002, is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the Security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities. The ISPS Code is part of SOLAS and compliance is mandatory for the Contracting Parties to SOLAS as per the mandatory Part A of ISPS code which outlines the detailed maritime and port security-related requirements.

Under the ISPS Code, the stakeholders are required to designate appropriate security officers and personnel, on each ship, port facility and shipping company. These officers are charged with the duties of assessing, as well as preparing and implementing effective security plans that are able to manage any potential security threat.

Legislation in Europe, the European Security Legislation and regulations in the United States also demand special security planning. And since 2014, new STCW 2010 requires all crew employed or with Designated Security Duties on vessels to which the ISPS code applies are also require approved security training.

maritime security
Picture: IBS-INS System 

STCW Security Courses

Maritime Security Courses

  • Security Awareness Training for All Port Facility Personnel: This course is intended to provide the knowledge required to enable personnel without designated security duties in connection with a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) to enhance security in accordance with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the ISPS Code, the IMDG Code, the IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports, and guidance contained in IMO MSC.1/Circ.1341. Successful trainees should contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness and the ability to recognize security threats and respond appropriately.

  • Security Awareness Training for Port Facility Personnel with Designated Security Duties: This course aims to provide the knowledge required for port facility personnel with designated security duties in connection with a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) to perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the ISPS Code, the IMDG Code, the IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports, and guidance contained in IMO MSC.1/Circ.1341. Some examples of the objectives of this course include - knowledge of current security threats and patterns; recognition of detection of weapons, dangerous substances and devices; Crowd Management and control techniques and operation of security equipment and systems. Those who successfully complete this course should be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities as personnel with designated security duties in connection with a PFSP.

  • Actions to be taken to Prevent Acts of Piracy and Armed Robbery: The emphasis of this course is not on training to fight pirates, but rather to assist trainees to identify, deter or mitigate such actions through proper planning, preparation and coordination with various entities.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UNDER STCW 2010

The 2010 amendments will include three levels of security training: