STCW Designated Security Duties (DSD) online course aims to provide the knowledge required for seafarers with designated security duties in connection with a Ship Security Plan (SSP) to perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the ISPS Code, and section A-VI/6 of the STCW Code, as amended. Those who successfully complete the course should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge to undertake the duties assigned under the SSP.

At a glance

• Approval: Liberia
• Who is it for: Marine and Non-Marine roles including Officers and Ratings of merchant’s vessels, Cruise ships crews, Superyacht crews
• Accepted by: All flags that accept IMO white list approved training. Panama , Bahamas , Malta , Liberia , Palau , MCA
• STCW Compliance: Fully compliant with STCW Code as amended
• Courses and Assessment: Online-only, available 24/7, both theoretical and practical parts
• Duration: 10.5 h
• Eligibility: Newcomers and Refresh training
• Prerequisites: Passport
• Certificate provided: Digital, PDF file (stamped hard copy available upon request)
• Certificate Validity: For life – please note that some companies require refresh every five (5) years.

Competences

1. Identify the current security threats and patterns.
2. Recognize and detect weapons, dangerous substances and devices.
3. Recognize, on a non-discriminatory basis, of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security.
4. Identify techniques used to circumvent security measures.
5. Comprehend security-related communications.
6. Comprehend the emergency procedures and contingency plans.
7. Understand the operation of security equipment and systems.
8. Identify the testing, calibration and at-sea maintenance of security equipment and systems.
9. Recognize the inspection, control, and monitoring techniques.
10. Comprehend the methods of physical searches of persons, personal effects, baggage, cargo, and ship stores.

Legislation & References:

IMO References

1. International Maritime Organization. (2003). International Ship & Port Facility Security(ISPS) Code, 2003 and December 2002 Amendments to SOLAS. London: IMO. (IMO-I116E).
2. SOLAS Chapter XI-1
3. SOLAS Chapter XI-2
4. ISPS Code Part A
5. ISPS Code Part B
6. International Labour Organization. Seafarers’ Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996. (No. 180).
7. International Labour Organization. Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003. (No. 185).
8. International Maritime Organization. Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, 2010.
9. STCW Code Section A-VI/6
10. STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1
11. STCW Code Table A-VI/6-2
12. International Maritime Organization. (2009). “Guidance to Shipowners and Ship Operators, Shipmasters and Crews on Preventing and Suppressing Acts of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships.” MSC.1/Circ.1334

Textbooks

• McNicholas, M. (2007). Maritime Security: An Introduction. Burlington: Butterworth- Heinemann