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STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Requirements - USCG MMC

U.S. Coast Guard Requirements for STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Merchant Mariner Credential

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The United States Coast Guard (USCG), STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) is a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for individuals who perform the duties and responsibilities defined in 33 CFR § 104.215(D)(Iv), STCW Code Chapter VI, section A-VI/5 and the ISPS Code.

VSO's must have knowledge and training in basic vessel layout and construction, maintaining and supervising the implementation of a vessel security plan, ship Security strategies and assessments, and familiarity with key definitions, terminology, and operational practices employed in the maritime industry to name a few.

STCW and USCG CFR regulations require all personnel to have a security endorsement on their credential commensurate with their respective duties onboard as of January 1st, 2014. These endorsements are hierarchical with VSO as the highest level. 

Mariners meeting qualification for VSO are also endorsed with Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) and Security Awareness (SA).

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USCG VSO General Requirements

  • Must have U.S. Citizenship
  • Must be at least Age 18
  • Medical Certificate
  • Mariners must hold a national endorsement as OS Wiper, SD (FH) or higher

USCG Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

Option 1

  • 360 days of approved service on any vessel subject to 104.105 which are listed here:

    • MODU, Cargo, or passenger vessel subject to SOLAS
    • Foreign cargo vessel greater than 100 gross register tons
    • Self-propelled U.S. cargo vessel greater than 100 GRT subject to 46 CFR Subchapter I, except commercial fishing vessels inspected under 46 CFR part 105
    • Vessel subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter L
    • Passenger vessel subject to 46 CFR I, subchapter H
    • Passenger vessel certificated to carry more than 150 passengers
    • Other passenger vessel carrying more than 12 passengers, including at least one passenger-for-hire, that is engaged on a international voyage
    • Barge subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters D or O
    • Barge carrying certain dangerous cargo in bulk or barge that is subject to  46 CFR Chapter I, subchapter I, that is engaged on an international  voyage
    • Tank ship subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters D or O,
    • Towing vessel greater than eight meters in registered length that is  engaged in towing a barge or barges subject to this part, except a towing  vessel that - Temporarily assists another vessel engaged in towing a  barge or barges subject to this part; -Shifts a barge or barges subject to  this part at a facility or within a fleeting facility; -Assists sections of a  tow through a lock; or -Provides emergency assistance.

  • While not subject to 33 CFR 104.105, service on the following vessels, if 100 GRT or more may be used - MSC non-commissioned vessels (designated USNS), USACE vessels; OR NOAA vessels
  • No documented evidence of vessel operations /knowledge is required when the above 360 days of sea service on the listed vessels is met

Option 2

  • 180 days of approved service on any of the vessels listed under Option 1 above, AND
  • Provide evidence of knowledge on agency, company or vessel letterhead in the following areas:

    • Basic vessel layout and construction
    • Shipboard organization
    • Shipboard safety
    • Protection of the marine environment
    • Familiarity with key definitions, terminology, and operational practices employed in the maritime industry.

Option 3

  • The holder of any officer endorsement valid for service on vessels more than 100 GRT:

    •  180 days service on any of the vessels listed under Option 1 above.

  • No documented evidence of vessel operations /knowledge is required when the above180 days of sea service on the listed vessels under Option 1 is met and if the appropriate officer endorsement is held.

Option 4 - Military Service

  • While not subject to 33 CFR 104.105, LIMITED service of not more than five months on the following vessels, if 100 GRT or more may be used.

    • U.S. Coast Guard cutters
    • U.S Army vessels; OR
    • U. S. Navy vessels (designated USS).

  • All military service is documented and calculated in accordance with 46 CFR 10.232.
  • The remaining 30 days or more remaining required service must be on any vessel(s) listed under Option 1.
  • When using any military service and if any officer endorsement valid for service on vessels more than 100 GRT is NOT HELD, must also provide evidence of knowledge via agency, company or vessel letterhead in the following areas:

    • Basic vessel layout and construction
    • Shipboard organization
    • Shipboard safety
    • Protection of the marine environment
    • Familiarity with key definitions, terminology, and operational practices employed in the maritime industry

Approved Training

  • CG Accepted or Approved VSO Course
  • Optional: Basic Training or Continued Competency not required (if provided endorse with VI/1and list as capacity - if not provided do not endorse)

Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with USCG for the latest requirements and accurate info