Where this sits
Governing: SOLAS Chapter XI-2; ISPS Code; STCW regulation VI/6 and Table A-VI/6-1; MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, section 7. Next: Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.
Why the ISPS Code exists
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code came into force with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 in July 2004. It treats security as risk management: assess the ship, write a plan, train the people, and scale the measures to a declared security level.
| Instrument | What it does |
|---|---|
| SOLAS XI-2 | Makes security mandatory; sets security levels, the ship security alert system (SSAS) and port state control of security |
| ISPS Code Part A | Mandatory: duties of companies, ships and ports; ship security assessment, ship security plan (SSP), CSO, SSO, records, training |
| ISPS Code Part B | Guidance on how to meet Part A. In UK law, listed Part B paragraphs apply as if mandatory (Regulation (EC) 725/2004) |
Which vessels
SOLAS XI-2 applies to ships on international voyages: passenger ships, and cargo ships including high-speed craft of 500 GT and upwards. A commercial yacht with 12 or fewer passengers counts as a cargo ship. The REG Yacht Code Part A, Chapter 31.1(1), is simpler: "All vessels of 500GT and above shall comply with the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code."
Private yachts are outside SOLAS XI-2. IMO MSC.1/Circ.1283 gives voluntary guidance for non-SOLAS vessels, with an appendix for pleasure craft. Many large private yachts run a voluntary SSP anyway.
The people
- Company Security Officer (CSO): ashore, responsible for the ship security assessment and plan.
- Ship Security Officer (SSO): on board, usually the chief officer on a yacht. Implements the SSP and trains the crew.
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): ashore at the port facility.
- You: the eyes and ears. Most security incidents are first noticed by someone who is not the SSO.
Four levels of training (MSN 1865 section 7.1)
| Level | STCW | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Security-related familiarisation | A-VI/6 paras 1-3 | Everyone on an ISPS ship, before duties. Given by the SSO or equally qualified person, ship-specific |
| Proficiency in Security Awareness | Table A-VI/6-1 | Everyone employed or engaged in any capacity on an ISPS ship |
| Proficiency in Designated Security Duties | Table A-VI/6-2 | Crew with duties under the SSP |
| Ship Security Officer | Table A-VI/5 | The SSO. Includes the two levels above |
The Security Awareness standard has three competences, and this course follows them:
- contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness;
- recognise security threats;
- understand the need for and methods of maintaining security awareness and vigilance.
The certificate
- For UK ships the MCA recognises Security Awareness certificates issued under STCW by any White List administration (MIN 643 section 4.9).
- MIN 643 permits MCA-approved Security Awareness courses to be delivered online and peripatetically.
- Security Awareness is not in the list of courses needing five-yearly refresher training (MSN 1865 section 4.4).
TIP: What the job market asks for Yacht crew adverts often ask for "STCW basic safety plus PDSD". PDSD includes the Awareness competences, so crew heading for ISPS yachts often go straight to Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.