Ship Security Officer Course

Lead and Manage Maritime Security Onboard

The Ship Security Officer course prepares eligible shipboard officers to implement, maintain and supervise the security arrangements of a vessel. It develops the knowledge required to manage the Ship Security Plan, coordinate security duties, conduct inspections, organise drills and communicate with company and port security personnel.

The programme is structured with reference to STCW Regulation VI/5, Section A-VI/5 of the STCW Code and applicable provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

What Is the Ship Security Officer Course?

The Ship Security Officer, commonly called the SSO, is the person onboard designated by the company as responsible for the security of the ship. The SSO works with the Master, Company Security Officer and Port Facility Security Officer to maintain appropriate security measures.

This course prepares candidates to assess risks, manage security equipment, maintain records and coordinate an effective response to security threats.

Course Highlights

Course Information	Details
Course Name	Ship Security Officer
Common Abbreviation	SSO
Course Level	Management-Level Security Training
Reference Standard	STCW Section A-VI/5 and applicable ISPS Code provisions
Suitable For	Eligible officers designated or preparing to serve as SSO
Training Mode	Theory, Case Studies and Practical Exercises
Certification	Subject to successful completion and assessment

Who Should Attend?

The course is suitable for:

Masters and deck officers
Eligible engineering officers where permitted
Officers designated to serve as Ship Security Officer
Personnel responsible for implementing the Ship Security Plan
Maritime professionals requiring SSO competence for an assigned role

Candidates must meet the eligibility and sea-service requirements prescribed by the relevant maritime authority.

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants should learn how to:

Explain the international maritime security framework
Understand the responsibilities of the SSO
Implement and maintain the Ship Security Plan
Conduct security inspections and assessments
Identify threats, vulnerabilities and suspicious activity
Coordinate security measures at different security levels
Manage access control and restricted areas
Supervise cargo, stores and baggage security
Organise security drills and exercises
Train and brief shipboard personnel
Inspect and test security equipment
Maintain security records and reports
Coordinate with the Master, CSO and PFSO
Respond to piracy, armed robbery, sabotage and other threats
Preserve evidence and protect confidential security information

Role and Career Relevance

A qualified Ship Security Officer plays a central role in protecting the ship, crew, passengers, cargo and marine operations. The competence is valuable for officers serving on vessels subject to applicable maritime security requirements.

Why Choose Blue Fleet Institute?

Blue Fleet Institute provides professionally structured training focused on practical responsibility, sound judgement and effective coordination. Candidates are guided through realistic maritime-security situations to help them perform confidently onboard.

Admission Enquiry

Contact Blue Fleet Institute for confirmed prerequisites, sea-service requirements, training dates, duration, fees, documents and certification information.

Created by
Kevin Perry
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Kevin Perry
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