MCA Approved Mandatory STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course Online for Seafarers & Other Staff Members
The purpose of the STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) online course is to equip personnel who do not have assigned Security responsibilities with the necessary knowledge to bolster ship Security. It is mandatory for all seafarers, irrespective of their position or department, to possess an STCW security awareness certificate, even if they are not assigned specific duties onboard.
The course is mandatory as per STCW & ISPS regulations for personnel who work aboard ships, including stewards, cruise ship staff, entertainers, and others. Its purpose is to educate and familiarize crew and staff with applicable codes, conventions, and protocols, emphasizing their responsibility to prioritize the safety and security of the vessel and maintain security vigilance onboard.
The PSA Course is compliant to the guidelines stated in the MNTB Security Courses Criteria, regulation VI/6 and section A-VI/6 of the STCW 2010 convention and code, and the International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPS Code) with the latest amendments.
Specialized online courses in PSA are available for crew and staff working in commercial vessels, ferries, superyachts, cruise ships, and associated industries. Apart from UK MCA approved courses, a PSA course approved by Liberian Registry (LISCR) is also available.
- Online MCA PSA (Commercial Shipping & Offshore) Course
- Online MCA PSA (Superyachts) Course
- Online MCA PSA (Cruise Ship) Course
- Onile PSA (Liberia LISCR) Course
Online STCW PSA Training
MCA PSA Certification
- Course: The MCA Approved IMO Model Course 3.27, known as Proficiency in Security Awareness, is a fully online course catering to crew members who do not hold any Designated Security Duties aboard Ship. This course is specifically tailored for individuals working in the commercial Cargo vessels, ferries, superyachts, cruise ships, and related industries.
- Mode of Study & Assessments: All tests and assessments are conducted seamlessly through an entirely online platform.
- Course Access: 6 months
- Course Approval: MCA UK (Liberia LISCR approved course is also available)
- Compliance: STCW regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6
- Acceptance: MCA UK and any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept the certification.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Online Assessment: Approved AI assisted online proctoring system. AI Proctored Assessment is a means of invigilating a learner online during an official assessment, without the need for the attendance of an invigilator. The official assessment will be accessed via a hyperlink emailed to the learner. You have two (2) free attempts to pass your official assessment under the AI Proctoring System.
- Documentation: To complete the process, kindly provide a scan of a recognized form of identification, such as your passport, driving license, or any other officially issued photo ID.
- Certification: After successfully finishing the online course, verifying their Learner ID, and passing the assessment, learners will be issued an electronic edition of the course certificate in a secure PDF format. This certificate will be sent via email. A printed copy can also be obtained upon request.
PSA Course Content
- 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 recognize security threats, including Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.
- Plus more
PSA Specializations
- Online PSA Commercial Shipping & Offshore Course: The MCA Approved Security Awareness (PSA) Course for Merchant Vessels comprehensively meets STCW training requirements for crew and staff without Designated Security Duties. It is specifically tailored for personnel serving on Merchant Vessels, Offshore Platforms, Wind Farms, and Ferries.
- Online PSA Superyachts/Luxury Yachts Course: The MCA Approved Security Awareness (PSA) Course for Luxury Yachts satisfies STCW training requirements for crew and staff without designated security duties. It is tailored specifically for personnel on board luxury yachts.
- Online PSA Cruise Ship and Passenger Vessels Course: MCA Approved Security Awareness (PSA) Course for Passenger Vessels meets STCW requirements for crew and staff not directly responsible for security duties, yet needing to understand relevant onboard security measures. Tailored for personnel on Cruise Ships & Passenger Vessels.
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LAST UPDATED ON Apr 21, 2026