MCA Approved STCW ISPS Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course Online for Seafarers by VIRSEC
The STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) training is mandatory for all seafarers working on board of vessels with designated Security duties. The course will provide the essential training, education, understanding and proficiency requirements and is intended to provide the knowledge required to enable personnel to do their designated Security duties as required by the vessels Ship Security Plan (SSP).
The Designated Security Duties training is in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Table A-VI/6-2, which supports Chapter XI-2 of the annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS ) Code.
The online and MCA Approved Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course is for those who will carry out Designated Security Duties and responsibilities, functioning under the ISPS Code and encountering security-related incidents whilst transiting High-Risk Areas or operating in adverse conditions.
Separate online PDSD courses are offered for the crew and staff of commercial Cargo vessels, ferries, superyachts, cruise ships and related industries. Apart from UK MCA approved courses, a PDSD course approved by Liberian Registry (LISCR) is also available.
- Online PDSD (Commercial Shipping & Offshore) Course
- Online PDSD (Superyachts) Course
- Online PDSD (Cruise Ship) Course
- Online PDSD (Liberia LISCR) Course
Online STCW PDSD Training
MCA PDSD Certification
- Course: This fully online IMO Model Course 3.26 and MCA Approved PDSD course is specifically designed for those crew members, who will carry out Designated Security Duties and responsibilities and reporting to the Ship Security Officer.
- Mode of Study & Assessments: Fully online including the tests / assessments
- Course Access: 6 months
- Course Approval: UK MCA (Liberia LISCR approved online course is also available)
- Compliance: STCW table A-VI/6-2
- Acceptance: MCA UK and any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept the certification.
- Duration: Approximately 8 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 a senior officer to attend as 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.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and associated official assessment, learners will receive an electronic version of the official course certificate in secure PDF format by email. A hard copy can also be requested.
PDSD Course Content
- The Development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
- Understand the relevant international conventions, codes and recommendations relating to Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of relevant bodies and organizations
- The roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, Designated Authorities, and Recognized Security Organizations
- The Security Roles & Responsibilities of Crew and Port Security Personnel
- Measures and Procedures for Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels
- Recognition of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices
- Recognition of persons who may pose a threat to the security of the ship
- Identifying techniques used to circumvent security measures
- The handling of Sensitive Security-Related Information (SSRI) and Communications
- Identifying security threats including Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping
- Plus more
PDSD Specializations
- UK MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD - Commercial & Offshore) Online: Online Maritime Security (ISPS) Course for Crew & Staff of Merchant Vessels, Offshore Mobile Drilling Platforms, & Ferries With Security-Related Duties (IMO Model Course 3.26).
- UK MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD - Yachts/Superyachts) Online: This Superyachts, Motor Yachts, Mega Yachts, and Giga Yachts course is for those seafarers undertaking security-related duties onboard a yacht with the training deemed necessary to conduct these duties proficiently and to a professional standard.
- UK MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD - Cruise Ship) Online: This Cruise Ships course is for those seafarers undertaking security-related duties onboard a cruise ship or passenger vessel with the training deemed necessary to conduct these duties to a proficient standard.
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LAST UPDATED ON Apr 21, 2026