New Requirements for Security training for shipboard personnel

1. Introduction

The STCW Convention and Code as amended by the Manila amendment (2010)
(STCW)contains new requirements regarding security training. This training is required by
all personnel employed or engaged onboard ships to which the ISPS Code applies. These
Regulations came into force on 1 January 2012, however, Port State Control Officers have
been requested by IMO not to enforce this regulation until 1 January 2014 provided that the
vessel otherwise complies with the ISPS code (see IMO circulars STCW Circ.7/16 and
STCW Circ.7/17)

2. Training requirements

In addition to the existing Ship Security Officer (SSO) training (which is unchanged) the
amendments to the STCW Convention brings in three new levels of security training:

• Security related familiarisation;

• Proficiency in security awareness; and
• Proficiency in designated security duties.

These changes are embodied in STCW Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 with non
mandatory guidance Section B-VI/6.

2.1. Security related familiarisation

Security related familiarisation training must be delivered by the SSO, or other equally
qualified person, to all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are
required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, prior to them being assigned
shipboard duties. This instruction should emphasise ship specific security issues and provide
guidance for the seafarer to at least be able to:

• report a security incident, including a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack;

• know the procedures to follow when they recognise a security threat ; and
• take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures.

Documentary evidence must be retained by the ship to show that this training has been
completed. There is no objection to this training being subsumed into the ships safety
familiarisation training and to use its existing method of recording the delivery of this training.

2.2. Approved training programmes

The following training/instruction must be delivered by an MCA approved training centre

(which may be a shipping company).

This training need only be completed once in the seafarers career, there is no requirement
for refreshment or revalidation.

There are “grandfather” clauses which allows seafarers with previous equivalent training
(see section 6) and those with relevant sea service prior to 1st January 2012 to be issued
with a certificate of proficiency without undertaking further training (see section 7)

Page 1 of 25
Proficiency in security awareness

Security awareness training must be undertaken by all seafarers employed or engaged in

any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the ISPS Code. This
training/instruction must meet the requirements of Section A-VI/6 paragraph 4 of the
amended STCW code. This training leads to the issue of a STCW Certificate of Proficiency.
On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be able to:

• Contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness;

• Recognise security threats; and
• Understand the need for, and methods of, maintaining security awareness and
vigilance.

The course requirements can be found in Annex 1 and Annex 2 of this notice.

Proficiency in designated security duties

Training in designated security duties must be undertaken by seafarers, engaged on ships

which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, who have designated
duties under the ships security plan. This training/instruction must meet the requirements of
Section A-VI paragraphs 6-8 of the amended STCW code. This training leads to the issue of
an STCW Certificate of Proficiency. On completion of this training a seafarer will at least be
able to:

• Maintain the conditions set out in a ship security plan;

• Recognise security risk and threats;
• Undertake regular security inspections; and
• Properly use security equipment and systems.

The course requirements can be found in Annex 1 and Annex 3 of this notice.

3. MCA recognition of certificates issued by other Administrations

3.1. Proficiency in security awareness

The MCA will recognise, for service in UK registered ships, Certificates of Proficiency in
security awareness issued under the STCW requirements, by any Administration on the
STCW “white list”.

3.2. Proficiency in designated security duties and Ship Security Officer

The MCA will recognise, for service in UK registered ships, Certificates of Proficiency in
designated security duties and Certificates of proficiency as SSO issued under the STCW
requirements by another Maritime Administration, if we already accept their Certificate of
Competence (CoC) towards the issue of UK Certificate of Equivalent Competence (CEC). A
list of Administrations with whom we have agreements to issue CECs is available from our
website.

4. Personal close protection and ship protection duties

Those carrying out personal close protection and/or ship protection duties on ISPS Code
compliant ships do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO

Page 2 of 25
on the vessel in which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ships security
duties they will have to hold an MCA approved or recognised Certificate of Proficiency in
Designated Security Duties. Please refer to section 3.9 of “Interim Guidance to UK Flagged
Shipping on the Use of Armed Guards to Defend Against the Threat of Piracy in Exceptional
Circumstances” for further guidance.

5. Recognition of previous training

Some training centres are already delivering programmes meeting the guidance given in
IMO MSC.1/Circ 1235 “Guidelines on security-related training and familiarisation for
shipboard personnel”. Where a centre is delivering these programmes and becomes a MCA
approved centre, they may, on agreement with the MCA, issue retrospective STCW
certification against these programmes in the form shown in Annex 3(d) and Annex 4(d).

6. Certificates of Service

Shipping Companies holding UK ISM Document of Compliance may apply to the Seafarers
Training & Certification Branch of the MCA to issue certificates of proficiency in:

• security awareness to seafarers who have at least six months sea service in any
capacity in the three years prior to 1st January 2012 including three months sea
service under their employment. They should retain documentary evidence of this
sea service.
• security duties to seafarers who have at least six months sea service, which has
included security duties, in the three years prior to 1st January 2012 including three
months sea service under their employment. They should retain documentary
evidence of this sea service.

Such companies should submit details of the procedure that they will follow to issue these
certificates. These procedures must form part of their Safety Management System.
Certificates issued under this scheme should be in the form shown in annex 4. Companies
issuing certificates should comply with 1(e), 1(f), 1(g) and 4 of the conditions for maintaining
approval for training centres set out in Annex1. Companies wanting to gain approval to issue
certificates of service should contact [Link]@[Link].

The MCA may issue Certificates of Service to holders of UK Certificates of Competency or

UK Watch Rating Certificates for:

• proficiency in security awareness to seafarers who have documentary evidence of

at least six months sea service in any capacity in the three years prior to 1st
January 2012; and
• proficiency in designated security duties to seafarers who have documentary
evidence of at least six months sea service, which has included security duties, in
the three years prior to 1st January 2012.

The documentary evidence of sea service may take the form of Discharge Book entries or
sea service testimonials. Where applicable there must be a separate statement, on company
headed paper signed, by the Master or other Company Official, stating that the sea service
included designated security duties.

There will be a fee payable for this service at the rate set out in the Merchant Shipping
(Fees) Regulations 2006 as amended.

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Application for MCA certification can be made on form number MSF 4391 available form our
website [Link].

7. Quality standards

The arrangements for delivering the training and assessing competence must be
continuously monitored through a quality standards system to ensure achievement of
defined objectives. Centres are required to maintain a quality standard through documented
procedures that shall be inspected and monitored by the MCA at intervals not exceeding five
years. The quality standards system and evaluation arrangements may be part of a centre’s
overall quality assurance system.

Where the training centre is a shipping company the training and control of certification
should be part of the safety management systems.

8. Documentation

Achievement of the desired standard of competence will be attested to by a

certificate issued by the centre, in the format shown in:

Annex 2(a) for completion of a programme of training in Proficiency in security awareness;

Annex 2(b) for completion of previous training, meeting the requirements of Proficiency in
security awareness;

Annex 3(a) for completion of a programme of training in Proficiency in designated security

duties;

Annex 3(b) for completion of previous training, meeting the requirements of Proficiency in
designated security duties;

Annex 4(a) for completion of qualifying sea service, meeting the requirements of Proficiency
in security awareness; and

Annex 4(b) for completion of qualifying sea service, meeting the requirements of Proficiency
in designated security duties.

A certificate may not be issued prior to the approval by the MCA of the training or sea
service recognition scheme

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Annex 1

Training Course Common Elements

Health and Safety:

All training centres must adhere to applicable regulations made under the Health and Safety
at Work etc Act 1974 and take proper account of the advice given in associated guidance
documents and ‘Approved Codes of Practice’. Under the 1992 Management of Health and
Safety at Work Regulations, centres are required to make assessments of any potential risks
to the health and safety of staff and trainees that may be associated with their activities.
They are also required to identify, implement, monitor and review effective measures for
minimising and controlling them. In addition, centres will be required to make effective
arrangements for dealing with any emergency, incident or accident that may occur during the
course of training.

Entry standards

There is no intake restriction for either of these programmes although some sea going
experience would be an advantage before undertaking the Proficiency in designated security
duties programme. A candidate is not required to have completed the security awareness
training before being enrolled on the proficiency in designated security duties training.

Course intake limitations

The number of trainees undergoing training as part of one group will depend upon the
availability of instructors, equipment and facilities, bearing in mind the objectives of the
training.

Staff requirements

Training and assessment must be undertaken by persons qualified in accordance with the
provisions of Section A-I/6 of the STCW Code. All training and instruction should be
delivered and assessments carried out, by personnel who:

• are familiar with the principles of the international security framework for ships and port
facilities, the concept of ship security plans and have knowledge of the requirements of
Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended and of the ISPS Code;
• understand the specific objectives of the training; and
• have sufficient knowledge of instructional techniques and assessment methods to
ensure that the objectives of the training are achieved.

The training centre must be able to demonstrate to the MCA that training will be delivered
under the supervision of personnel who have, either individually or collectively as part of a
team:

• a thorough knowledge of the practical application of modern methods, systems and

procedures for safeguarding maritime security in accordance with the ISPS Code and
SOLAS as amended; and
• practical and relevant experience of the operation of merchant ships.

Training plan

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The structure of the training, the methods used for delivery and arrangements for assessing
competence must be set out in a training plan, which must be submitted to the MCA for
approval.

The outcomes may be achieved through any appropriate means of delivery e.g. classroom
instruction, in-service training, distance learning, computer-based training or a combination
of these methods.

Content of training

Guidance on the content and structure of training is given in: Annex 2 and 3.

Facilities and equipment

Centres seeking approval will need to show that they can provide or have access to:

• an area suitable for the delivery of training, bearing in mind the value of role play and
small working groups;
• suitable audio visual aids (e.g. videos, posters, diagrams, overhead projector); and
• equipment for demonstration as appropriate.

Assessment

Centres will be required to explain as part of the procedures for approval how these
requirements are to be met and the outcomes recorded. A variety of sources of evidence
may be used - direct observation, oral questioning, simulation and role play would be
considered ideal approaches to generating much of the evidence required.

Page 6 of 25
Conditions of approval

1. A functional Quality Management System is in place and ensures that:

a. continued satisfactory delivery of the programme to the current standards, reflecting

changes of technology and best practice;

b. the training programme entry standards are met;

c. the same person does not carry out the training and assessment of any given part or
whole of the programme;

d. only those who complete the training programme and meet any other necessary
requirements are issued with certificates/documentary evidence;

e. certificates are issued in a format that meets the MCA requirements;

f. records of certificates issued are securely maintained until the 70th birthday of the
certificate holder or five years from the date of issue whichever is the longer;

g. the record system enables authenticity of certificates to be verified and replacement

certificates issued;

h. where approved for peripatetic delivery, formal assessment is carried out to ascertain
the suitability of each venue and records of such assessment are retained for five
years;

i. the approving MCA Office is informed of dates, timing and venues of all courses
delivered; and

j. any changes made to the course content, facilities, equipment, training staff or other
matter that may affect the delivery of the programme are reported to the approving
Marine Office without delay.

2. Monitoring of the training programme by the MCA proves to be satisfactory.

3. Re-approval by the MCA is carried out within 5 years of the approval or re-approval. Such
approval will incur costs in line with the fees in force at that time.

4. Should the training establishment cease to trade then all records of certificates issued
should be sent to the MCA to enable them to carry out the verification and replacement
functions.

Page 7 of 25
Annex 2(a)
Training Programme Guide for approval of training for security awareness.

Scope

This training is intended to meet the requirements set out in Regulation VI/6 paragraph 1 and
Section A-VI/6 paragraph 4 of the STCW ‘78 Code as amended.

Objectives

On completion of the training, the trainees will have sufficient knowledge, understanding and
skills enabling them to deal with security related issues onboard ship, which are not
designated security duties, including the ability to:

• Contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness

• Recognise security threats
• Understand the need for and methods of maintaining security awareness through
heightened awareness

The stated objectives are unlikely to be achieved in less than 4 learning hours .

Training Structure

The training should be structured around the competencies, knowledge, understanding and
proficiency stated in Table A-VI/6-1 (reproduced in Annex 2(b) of this document). The level
of training and assessment required particularly lends itself to computer/video based
learning.

It is important that the treatment of the subject matter is appropriate to the awareness of
ships security issues for personnel who do not have designated security duties.

Where possible and appropriate, an inter-active element should be introduced into the
learning process to enable those undergoing training to put into practice techniques and
procedures for maintaining the security of the vessel through role-play, simulation and
scenario-based training. Together with oral questioning and/or computer based feedback,
this will provide evidence that can be used for the purposes of assessing achievement of the
outcomes of the training.

Assessment

The training and assessment must be organised so that trainees are able to show that they
have met the criteria for evaluating competence set out in table A-VI/6-1 for Proficiency in
security awareness, see Annex 2(b)

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Annex 2(b)
Table A-VI/6-1
Specification of minimum standard of competence in security awareness

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
Contribute to the Basic working knowledge Assessment of Requirements relating to
enhancement of of maritime security terms evidence obtained from enhanced maritime
maritime and definitions, including approved instruction or security are correctly
security through elements that may relate during attendance at identified
heightened to piracy and armed an approved course
awareness robbery

Basic knowledge of
international maritime
security policy and
responsibilities of
Governments, companies
and persons

Basic knowledge of
maritime security levels
and their impact on
security measures and
procedures aboard ship
and in port facilities

Basic knowledge of
security reporting
procedures

Basic knowledge of
security-related
contingency plans
Recognition of Basic knowledge of Assessment of Maritime security threats
security threats techniques used to evidence obtained from are correctly identified
circumvent security approved instruction or
measures during attendance at
an approved course
Basic knowledge
enabling recognition of
potential security
threats, including
elements that may
relate to piracy and
armed robbery

Basic knowledge
enabling recognition of
weapons, dangerous
substances and

Page 9 of 25
 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
devices and
awareness of the
damage they can
cause

Basic knowledge in
handling
security-related
information and
security-related
communications

Understanding Basic knowledge of Assessment of Requirements relating to

of the need for training, drill and exercise evidence obtained from enhanced maritime
and methods of requirements under approved instruction or security are correctly
maintaining relevant conventions, during attendance at identified
security codes and IMO circulars, an approved course
awareness and including those relevant
vigilance for anti-piracy and anti-
armed robbery

Page 10 of 25
Annex 2(c)

SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR

Proficiency in security awareness by completing an approved training course
(to be produced and registered locally by the approved training centre)

Certificate No: [approved company to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Approved Company Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Proficiency in security awareness

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed a programme of training approved by the Maritime and

Coastguard Agency, meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 1and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 4
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Approved Company
Stamp and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Issuing Authority at the
address above.

Page 11 of 25
Annex 2(d)
SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR
Proficiency in security awareness by virtue of previous training
(to be produced and registered locally by the approved training centre)

Certificate No: [Approved Company to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Approved Company Name Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Proficiency in security awareness

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed, training approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 1 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 5
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Issuing Approved
company and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the approved company at the
address above.

Page 12 of 25
Annex 3(a)

Proficiency in designated security duties

Objective

On completion of the training, the trainees will have sufficient knowledge, understanding and
skills enabling them undertake designated security duties, onboard ship including the ability
to:

• Maintain the conditions set out in a ship security plan;

• Recognise security risk and threats;
• Undertake regular security inspections; and
• Properly use security equipment and systems;

The stated objectives are unlikely to be achieved in less than 9 hours.

The training should be structured around the modules listed below, although centres should
devise their own training schedules and detailed lesson plans to ensure effective and logical
delivery of the subject matter and achieve the objectives of the training.

It is important that the treatment of the subject matter is appropriate to the role of the
personnel with designated security duties. The content of Modules 1 and 2 may therefore be
treated as general background, familiarisation and awareness of the international maritime
security framework and its application aboard ship. Modules 3, 4 and 5 should deal more
directly with the roles and responsibilities of those with designated security duties , bearing
in mind that they will be carrying out these duties under supervision.

Where possible and appropriate, an inter-active element should be introduced into the
learning process to enable those undergoing training to put into practice techniques and
procedures for maintaining the security of the vessel through role-play, simulation
and scenario-based training. Together with oral questioning, this will also provide evidence
that can be used for the purposes of assessing achievement of the outcomes of the training.

Assessment

The training and assessment must be organised so that trainees are able to show that they
have met the criteria for evaluating competence set out in table A-VI/6-2 for Proficiency in
security awareness, see Annex 3(b)

Page 13 of 25
Programme Guidance

Module 1: Background to the international maritime security framework

Outline of the relevant international conventions, codes and recommendations relating to

ship and port facility security including:

• SOLAS and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code);
• respective roles and responsibilities of flag/port states, shipping companies, ships’
personnel and port facilities personnel for detecting, assessing and responding to
security threats or incidents affecting ships or port facilities including elements that
may relate to piracy and armed robbery;
• designation of personnel in companies, on ships and in port facilities with specific
roles and responsibilities for security arrangements; and
• ship identification number, automatic identification system ship security alert system.

Security levels as defined in the ISPS Code, including:

• the meaning and consequential requirements of the different levels of security for
ship and port operations; and
• the interface between port and ship security procedures and arrangements.

Module 2: Ship security arrangements

The nature and purpose of the Ship Security Plan (SSP), including:

• approval by the flag state; and

• the elements that make up the plan.

The types of measures and procedures appropriate at each level of security covering:

• access to the ship;

• restricted areas on the ship;
• handling of cargo;
• delivery of ship’s stores;
• handling unaccompanied baggage; and
• passage of the vessel through areas known to be subject to piracy and/or armed
robbery.

Module 3: Performance of ship security duties

Roles and responsibilities of, and the relationship and co-ordination between: the Company
Security Officer; the Master, Ship Security Officer and other personnel on board ship; and
the Port Facility Security Officer.

Awareness of the records and reports that have to be maintained with regard to training;
drills and exercises; security incidents; breaches in security; and changes in security level.

Working knowledge of the terminology used in relation to security issues to enable effective
communication.

Awareness of the actions that may be taken in the event of notification of a change in the
level of security.

Page 14 of 25
Preventative measures, including:

• recognition and detection of weapons, dangerous substances and devices;

• prevention of weapons, dangerous substances and devices for use against persons,
ships or port facilities from being carried on board;
• the conduct of physical searches and non-intrusive inspections; and
• measures that may be taken to prevent unauthorized boarding of the vessel in port or
on passage.

Risk, threat and vulnerability issues, including awareness of:

• techniques used to circumvent security measures; and

• characteristics and behavioural patterns of persons who may be likely to threaten
security, on a non-discriminatory basis actions that may be taken by pirates and/or
armed robbers attempting to board the vessel on passage.

Handling of security related information and security related communications

Module 4: Security contingencies and response

Response to security threats or breaches of security.

Response to emergency situations.

Use of Citadel

Module 5: Training and drills

Appreciation of the security implications associated with the general design and layout of the
ship.

The importance of:

• undertaking drills of emergency procedures affecting the ship and/or port facility in
accordance with the ISPS Code and IMO circulars;
• the need for all personnel to be aware of and adhere to pre-planned emergency
procedures as carefully as possible in the event of an emergency situation; and

• establishing and maintaining effective communications during emergency situations.

Awareness of crowd management and control techniques.

Page 15 of 25
Annex 3b)
Table A-VI/6-2
Specifications of minimum standard of competence for seafarers
with designated security duties

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
Maintain the Working knowledge of Assessment of evidence Procedures and actions
conditions set maritime security terms obtained from approved are in accordance with
out in a ship and definitions, including instruction or during the principles established
security plan elements that may relate attendance at an by the ISPS Code and
to piracy and armed approved course the SOLAS, 1974,
robbery as amended

Knowledge of Legislative requirements

international maritime relating to security are
security policy and correctly identified
responsibilities of
Governments, companies Communications within
and persons, including the area of responsibility
working knowledge of are clear and understood
elements that may relate
to piracy and armed
robbery

Knowledge of maritime
security levels and their
impact on security
measures and procedures
aboard ship and in the
port facilities

Knowledge of security
reporting procedures

Knowledge of procedures
and requirements for drills
and exercises under
relevant conventions,
codes and IMO circulars,
including working
knowledge of those that
may relate to piracy and
armed robbery

Knowledge of the
procedures for conducting
inspections and surveys
and for the control and
monitoring of security
activities specified in a

Page 16 of 25
 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
ship security plan
Maintain the Knowledge of
conditions set security-related
forth in a ship contingency plans and the
security plan procedures for responding
(continued) to security threats or
breaches of security,
including provisions for
maintaining critical
operations of the ship/port
interface, and including
also working knowledge
of those that may relate to
piracy and armed robbery
Recognition of Knowledge of security Assessment of evidence Procedures and actions
security risks documentation, including obtained from approved are in accordance with
and threats the Declaration of instruction or during the principles established
Security attendance at an by the ISPS Code and
approved course the SOLAS, 1974,
Knowledge of techniques as amended
used to circumvent
security measures,
including those used by
pirates and armed
robbers

Knowledge enabling
recognition of potential
security threats

Knowledge enabling
recognition of weapons,
dangerous substances
and devices and
awareness of the damage
they can cause

Knowledge of crowd
management and control
techniques, where
appropriate

Knowledge in handling
security-related
information and
security-related
communications

Page 17 of 25
 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
Knowledge of the
methods for physical
searches and
non-intrusive inspections

Page 18 of 25
 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for
understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence
Undertake Knowledge of the Assessment of evidence Procedures and actions
regular security techniques for monitoring obtained from approved are in accordance with
inspections of restricted areas instruction or during the principles established
the ship attendance at an by the ISPS Code and
Knowledge of controlling approved course the SOLAS Convention,
access to the ship and to as amended
restricted areas on board
ship
Knowledge of methods for
effective monitoring of
deck areas and areas
surrounding the ship

Knowledge of inspection
methods relating to the
cargo and ship’s stores

Knowledge of methods for

controlling the
embarkation,
disembarkation and
access while on board of
persons and their effects
Proper usage of General knowledge of Assessment of evidence Equipment and systems
security various types of security obtained from approved operations are carried out
equipment and equipment and systems, instruction or during in accordance with
systems, if any including those that could attendance at an established equipment
be used in case of attacks approved course operating instructions and
by pirates and armed taking into account the
robbers, including their limitations of the
limitations equipment and systems

Knowledge of the need for Procedures and actions

testing, calibrating, and are in accordance with
maintaining security the principles established
systems and equipment, by the ISPS Code and
particularly whilst at sea the SOLAS, 1974,
as amended

Page 19 of 25
 Annex 3(c)
SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR
Proficiency in designated security duties by completing an approved training course
(to be produced and registered locally by the Approved Training Centre)

Certificate No: [Approved Company to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Issuing Authority Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Proficiency in designate security duties

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed a programme of training approved by the Maritime and

Coastguard Agency, meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 4 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 6-8 and incorporates Proficiency in Security Awareness laid down in Regulation
V/6 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6.
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Issuing Authority Stamp
and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Approved Company at the
address above.

Page 20 of 25
Annex 3 (d)
SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR
Proficiency in designated security duties by virtue of previous training
(to be produced and registered locally by the Approved Company)

Certificate No: [approved Company to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Approved Company Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Proficiency in designated security duties

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed training approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 4 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 9 and incorporates Proficiency in Security Awareness laid down in Regulation V/6
and STCW Code Section A-VI/6.
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Approved Company
Stamp and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Approved Company at the
address above.

Page 21 of 25
Annex 4(a)
SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR
Proficiency in security awareness by virtue of sea service
(to be produced and registered locally by the approved Company)

Certificate No: [Approved Company to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Approved Company Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Certificate of service for proficiency in security awareness

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed sea service approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 1 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 5
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Approved Company
Stamp and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Approved company at the
address above.

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Annex 4 (b)
SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE FOR
Proficiency in designated security duties by virtue of sea service
(to be produced and registered locally by the Approved Company)

Certificate No: [Issuing Authority to allocate]

MCA Approval Certificate Number

Approved Company Address and contact details

Telephone Email

Certificate of Service for proficiency in designated security duties

This is to certify that [full name]

Date of Birth

Discharge Book Number

Or Other National I/D

Has successfully completed sea service approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
meeting the requirements laid down in:

STCW ’78 as amended, Regulation VI/6 paragraph 4 and STCW Code Section A-VI/6
paragraph 9 and incorporates Proficiency in Security Awareness laid down in Regulation V/6
and STCW Code Section A-VI/6.
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the
Department for Transport.
Signature of Principal or
Authorised Representative of
the Centre Approved to
Provide the Training Issuing Authority Stamp
and Date
Signature of person to whom
this certificate was issued

Enquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Approved Company at the
address above.

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Annex 5

Guidance on procedures for gaining Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

approval for training in accordance with the STCW Convention and ISPS Code

Conditions for approval

Training centres should note the criteria for approval is based on that developed by the
MNTB in conjunction with the MCA. The approach adopted has been to focus on
achievement of the outcomes of training and to give the training centres as much flexibility
as possible to design their own courses, based on a common framework.
The criteria for approval are contained within this notice.

Application for approval

Applications for approval of Proficiency in security awareness and/or designated security

duty training programmes should be directed in the first instance to the MCA Marine Office
nearest to the training centre seeking approval (see the MCA website: [Link] ).
Training centres must obtain MCA approval for each specific training programme that they
plan to offer.

The approval process

Once a centre has submitted an application, unless they already hold MCA approval for the
delivery of the STCW Ships Security Officer course, the approval process will involve:

• a paper exercise, to ensure that the course documentation meets the criteria, and
that trainers and examiners have the relevant qualifications and experience;

• a visit (or visits) to training premises by a marine office surveyor to ensure that
facilities and equipment are available, and that the administrative arrangements are
satisfactory to enable MCA to monitor performance.

• the surveyor will need to be shown that there is an effective quality assurance
scheme in place in particular the internal monitoring of the course itself to ensure
effective delivery of the programme and the issue and storage of the certificates
(records need to be kept for 55 years or the certificate holders 70 birthday);

• a surveyor may “sit in” on part of a course to ensure that written undertakings are
complied with, that course notes are followed, and that organisation is satisfactory;

• spot checks for monitoring purposes may be made at the training providers'
premises, to ensure continuing compliance. The training records should demonstrate
that all conditions are being enforced.

• re-approval, a shortened version of the approval process, will be carried out at

periods of not more than 5 years.

The course documentation referred to above should indicate how all of the criteria for
approval are being met. Attention is drawn to the following additional guidance:

Course intake limitations: Course documentation should include the maximum number of
candidates to be enrolled on each course. For monitoring purposes the number of

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candidates on each course must be maintained for subsequent validation as part of the
centre's training records;

Staff requirements: Initial approval will require sight of proof of the professional qualifications
listed for each trainer and assessor;

Facilities and equipment: The training facilities should be large enough for the number of
candidates to be trained, where appropriate allowing for demonstrations and practical
exercises included in the guidelines. Premises or training rooms should be well lit, ventilated
and have adequate heating. There must be access to nearby toilets and hot and cold water;

Peripatetic delivery: It is considered that both these training programmes are suitable to be
delivered on peripatetic basis. Training centres wishing to deliver these programmes on this
basis should have written into this QA procedures methods of assessing the suitability of
each proposed venue and the retention (5 years) of such appraisal for MCA review.

Training centres already MCA approved to deliver SSO courses

The competencies required for these training programmes are basically subsets of those
required for the Ships Security Officer. It has therefore been agreed that Training Centres
that hold current MCA approval (i.e. have completed MCA initial or re-approval within the last
5 years) to deliver the STCW SSO course and use the same personnel, need only submit
course material for the desk assessment, and additional QA procedures if required, to gain
approval to deliver these courses. This approval will be limited to the same re-approval date
as the SSO course.

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