Security Awareness Training Course

This is the training handbook for the “Ship Security Officer” (SSO) course, run by PT Hugos Maritime Services and approved by the Panama Maritime Authority, under STCW Regulation VI/5, Section A-VI/5 and Table A-VI/5 and the ISPS Code. The course lasts 20 hours over 2 days (theory only, including a written test), with three classrooms of up to 20 participants each. Entry requires a valid medical certificate, the four basic security courses, and at least 12 months of approved seagoing service. To pass, students need 90% attendance and a final score of at least 71 (theory 40%, practical 60%). The instructor must be a deck officer with an STCW certificate, trained as an instructor (I/6), and hold a current Ship Security Officer certificate. Its 11 units cover maritime security policy and the ISPS Code, security responsibilities (governments, CSO, SSO, PFSO), ship security assessment (risk = threat x impact x vulnerability), security equipment, the Ship Security Plan, threat recognition and search methods, actions at security levels 1 to 3, the Declaration of Security, drills and contingency plans (piracy, hijacking, bomb threats, stowaways), security administration (ISSC, audits, non-conformities), and training requirements. The goal is for seafarers to carry out the SSO’s duties: maintaining and supervising the Ship Security Plan, assessing security risks, conducting inspections, testing security equipment, and promoting security awareness.