STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) training course, Cyprus, EU flag approved

STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) online course aims to provide knowledge to those who may be 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 in section A-VI/5 of the STCW Code, as amended.

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) online course covers the duties and responsibilities with respect to the security of a ship, for implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and with Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). With this course, specific training to address the problem of piracy and armed robbery against ships is emphasized. The framework for this is found in Section A-VI/5 of the 2010 amendments to the STCW Code.

Those who successfully complete this course should achieve the required standard of competence enabling them to contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness and the ability to recognize security threats and to respond appropriately.

This STCW Basic Safety course is designed and developed by SQLearn (supporting member of HELMEPA) in collaboration with HELMEPA, is accredited by the Cyprus Maritime Administration and provided through HELMEPA’s certified Maritime Training Center. Part of the proceedings are offered to support HELMEPA’s mission “To Save the Seas” – for further information on the Association’s aims and activities you may visit HELMEPA website.

Complete the course at your own time and place, save time and money with asynchronous e-learning. All you need is an internet-enabled device available (desktop/laptop/tablet/smartphone and a couple of days.

No transportation costs • No waiting time to start the training • Course can be completed ashore or on board • No physical attendance required.

STCW SSO course at glance 

• Approval: Republic of Cyprus
• 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, and all European Union (EU) flags namely Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
• STCW Compliance: Fully compliant with STCW Code as amended
• Courses and Assessment: Online only, available 24/7
• Duration: 16h
• Prerequisites: Passport
• Eligibility: Newcomers and Refresh training
• Cyprus Flag Administration certification: Upon successfully completing the e-course and receiving your certification, you may apply for the Cyprus Flag Administration certification, which is valid for sea service. The procedure may be carried out electronically and requires an extra payment of 50€ per certification to the Cyprus Flag Administration. For further details about the specific procedure, please contact the Cyprus Flag Administration at seafarers@dms.gov.cy, ctsialoupi@dms.gov.cy or your national Cyprus Embassy.
• 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. Undertake regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained

2. Maintain and supervise the implementation of the Ship Security Plan, including any amendments to the plan

3. Coordinate the security aspects of the handling of cargo and ship’s stores with other shipboard personnel and with the relevant Port Facility Security Officers

4. Propose modifications to the Ship Security Plan

5. Report to the Company Security Officer any deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verifications of compliance and implementing any corrective action

6. Enhance security awareness and vigilance on board

7. Ensure that adequate training has been provided to shipboard personnel, as appropriate

8. Report all security incidents

9. Coordinate the implementation of the Ship Security Plan with the Company Security Officer and the relevant Port Facility Security Officer

10. Ensure that security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained, if any

Legislation & References: 

IMO/ILO references  

• International Maritime Organization. (2003). International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, 2003 and December 2002 Amendments to SOLAS. London: IMO. (IMO-I116E).
• SOLAS Chapter XI-1
• SOLAS Chapter XI-2
• ISPS Code Part A
• ISPS Code Part B
• International Labour Organization. Seafarers’ Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996. (No. 180).
• International Labour Organization. Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003. (No. 185).
• International Maritime Organization. Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, 2010.
• STCW Code Section A-VI/6
• STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1
• 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.

Documents required to attend 

For newcomers 12 months of sea service is required. For refresh training, participants should hold a previous SSO certificate. After purchasing the course you shall receive instructions in order to provide the following documentation:

1. Passport

Documents should be received in PDF/PNG/JPG format. You can either scan or photograph them, please make sure that they are legible.

Procedure to obtain the Certificate of Competence (COP)

Upon completion of the course, each attendee is provided with a training certificate which verifies the completion of the training. In order to get the relevant Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) issued by the Shipping Deputy Ministry to the President of Republic of Cyprus, each attendee shall submit to the competent authority the following documentation:

1. Proof of payment of relevant fee as per Cyprus Flag Administration instructions
2. Copy of payment receipt issued by the competent office of the Cyprus Flag Administration (copy of electronic payment NOT sufficient).
3. Application form EN05F10-V10 filled in and signed by the attendee
4. Copy of Passport or Seaman’s book
5. Copy of Certificate to be renewed where applicable
6. Copy of certificate of attendance
7. Copy of Health Card
8. One (1) photo in jpeg format
9. Proof of sea service where applicable
10. Health Card Authenticity Certificate (from the issuing authority)

Kindly note that before you purchase any course it is your responsibility to check if it complies with the flag administration/approval body you require or you want to submit it to. Furthermore, you should check if the course is accepted by your employer as your employer may have specific requirements.