Description

The STCW SSO online course provides knowledge for personnel designated to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Ship Security Officer (SSO), as defined in section A/2.1.6 and section A/12 of the ISPS Code and section A-VI/5 of the STCW Code. The course covers ship security plans, threat response, piracy and armed robbery prevention, and liaising with Company Security Officers (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO).

This STCW Basic Safety course is developed by SQLearn (supporting member of HELMEPA) in collaboration with HELMEPA, accredited by the Cyprus Maritime Administration, and provided through HELMEPA’s certified Maritime Training Center.

Complete the course at your own time and place, using any internet-enabled device (desktop/laptop/tablet/smartphone). No physical attendance is required. The course can be completed ashore or on board.

At a Glance:

• Approval: Republic of Cyprus
• Who is it for: Officers and Ratings, Cruise ship crews, Superyacht crews
• Accepted by: All flags that accept IMO whitelist approved training and all EU flags (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden)
• STCW Compliance: Fully compliant with STCW Code as amended
• Courses & Assessment: Online only, available 24/7
• Duration: 16h
• Prerequisites: Passport
• Eligibility: Newcomers and Refresh training
• Cyprus Flag Certification: Extra €50 fee for Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) issued by Cyprus Flag Administration
• Certificate Provided: Digital PDF file (stamped hard copy available upon request)
• Certificate Validity: For life (some companies require refresh every five years)

Competences:

• Undertake regular security inspections
• Maintain and supervise implementation of Ship Security Plan
• Coordinate security for cargo and ship stores
• Propose modifications to the Ship Security Plan
• Report deficiencies and non-conformities
• Enhance security awareness and vigilance on board
• Ensure adequate training for shipboard personnel
• Report all security incidents
• Coordinate implementation with CSO and PFSO
• Ensure security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated, and maintained

Legislation & References:

• ISPS Code 2003, SOLAS XI-1 & XI-2, STCW Code Section A-VI/6
• ILO Conventions 180 & 185
• Guidance MSC.1/Circ.1334

Textbooks:

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

Documents Required:

• Passport
• For newcomers: 12 months sea service required
• For refresh: Previous SSO certificate

Procedure to obtain the Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) from Cyprus Flag Administration includes payment, submission of forms, passport, certificates, health card, photo, and proof of sea service.

Kindly note it is your responsibility to check if the course complies with the flag administration/approval body or your employer requirements.