STCW VESSEL SECURITY OFFICER (VSO) § 11.
337
(Mariners meeting qualification for VSO are also endorsed with VPDSD and SA)
NAME: ________________________________ REFERENCE #: ______________________ DATE: _____________
General Requirements Reference:
46 CFR
Must have U.S. Citizenship. 10.221(a)(2)
Must be at least age 18. 104.215
Medical Certificate requirements: 10.301/10.302
• Original MMC- Must hold or be approved for Medical Certificate.
• Renewal, ROG, New Endorsement or Modification - Must hold or have
application for Medical Certificate.
Sea Service Letters or Discharges 10.232
Mariners must hold a national endorsement as OS Wiper, SD (FH) or higher. 11.201
Reference:
Sea Service Requirements 33 CFR
104.215
Option 1 - 360 days of approved service on any vessel subject to 104.105
which are listed here:
(1) MODU, cargo, or passenger vessel subject to SOLAS NVIC 21-14
(2) Foreign cargo vessel greater than 100 gross register tons
(3) 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
(4) Vessel subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter L
(5) Passenger vessel subject to 46 CFR I, subchapter H
(6) Passenger vessel certificated to carry more than 150 passengers
(7) Other passenger vessel carrying more than 12 passengers, including at
least one passenger-for-hire, that is engaged on a international voyage
(8) Barge subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters D or O
(9) 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
(10) Tank ship subject to 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters D or O,
(11) 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.
1) MSC non-commissioned vessels (designated USNS),
2) USACE vessels; OR
3) 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.
February 3, 2022 MCP-FM-NMC5-218 (03)
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:
1. Basic vessel layout and construction
2. Shipboard organization NVIC 21-14
3. Shipboard safety
4. Protection of the marine environment
5. 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.
1) U.S. Coast Guard cutters
2) U.S Army vessels; OR
3) 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:
1. Basic vessel layout and construction
2. Shipboard organization
3. Shipboard safety
4. Protection of the marine environment
5. Familiarity with key definitions, terminology, and
operational practices employed in the maritime industry.
Approved Training
CG Accepted or Approved VSO Course 104.215
OPTIONAL: Basic Training or Continued Competency not required (if 11.202
provided endorse with VI/1and list as capacity – if not provided do not
endorse)
Previous applicants may have been issued without holding any national endorsement, to renew, all
applicants must be issued at least an entry level MMC and pay all applicable fees.
Comments: _ _
February 3, 2022 MCP-FM-NMC5-218 (03)