To work as a Ship Security Officer (SSO) you need the qualifications delivered in this Maritime Security Officer course. If your aim is to work on ships or super yachts over 500gt, they are an essential part of your training.
The course is eligible for UK Armed Forces resettlement funding for service leavers.
There is heavy demand for places on this Maritime Security course and it may be fully booked many weeks in advance. If you cannot wait until the first available date, consider booking our Ship Security Officer course, which may be available sooner as a stand-alone module. Use the link in the main menu on the left to contact Flying Fish for more details.
Flying Fish is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to deliver the four elements of STCW 95 Basic Safety Training and the MCA-approved Ship Security Officer course. We deliver essential Anti Piracy training and the course also includes an RYA radio qualification, needed to operate the marine radio on board any vessel.
The Maritime Security Officer course is comprised of seven modules, including STCW 95, SSO & SRC/VHF radio:
1. STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques - sometimes described as 'Sea Survival' - Survival suits, hypothermia, life rafts, basic actions in emergency, etc.
2. STCW 95 Elementary First Aid - Basic, immediate, and emergency response to the most common shipboard injury emergencies, including CPR.
3. STCW 95 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting - Types and classes of fires, prevention, hazard awareness, methods of fire extinguishment, structure of incident response team, appropriate equipment, personal safety, team support, and live exercises.
4. STCW 95 Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) - Types of shipboard emergencies, alarms and signals, initial actions, personal/protective safety equipment, effects of pollution, pollution prevention, safe working practices, enclosed spaces, accident prevention, sexual harassment, individual rights, drug and alcohol awareness, and prevention of abuse.
5. SSO - ISPS code, what is an SSO, responsibilities and identification of duties, design of crew training and exercises, how to conduct a Ship Security Assessment (SSA), Ship Security Plan (SSP), the role of the Company Security Officer (CSO) the relevance and capabilities of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).
6. Anti-Piracy - Background and overview of current global situation, focus on Gulf of Aden, nautical terminology, specialist equipment and familiarisation with standard crew organisation, techniques and tactics to counter specific threats.
7. SRC/VHF - Basics of VHF radio operation and radio etiquette. Types of radio, how VHF works, correct radio protocol, procedures with regards to Mayday and Pan Pan calls, use of DSC (Digital Selective Calling), phonetic alphabet and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
You will leave the course with a good understanding of safety and emergency procedures. You will be familiar with rescue and evacuation. You will have practised crisis scenarios, handled fire fighting equipment and launched a life raft. You will have a thorough understanding of how to perform as a professional mariner with security duties.
If you join Flying Fish with 12 months sea service in the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy you are eligible for the STCW Ship Security Officer certificate. Candidates without this pre-course experience will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (CPDSD).
The course takes place at Cowes, Isle of Wight. You stay in our comfortable, waterside accommodation at Point Cottages. Accommodation is available from 16:00 on the start date.
For more information about Cowes and your accommodation, use the Destinations link above left.
We recommend that you book RYA Powerboat Level 2 in addition to the Maritime Security Officer course. This is available to MSO course members as an optional extra at a discounted price.
Accommodation check-in 15:30 and course briefing 16:00 at Point Cottages on the start date - Training starts the following morning at 09:00 - Check out at 10:00 and course finishes at 18:00 on the end date
Availability
Available
Not for you?
What you get
Resettlement funding for UK Forces STCW 95 Elementary First Aid STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques STCW 95 Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities STCW 95 Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting RYA Short Range Radio (GMDSS/DSC) STCW Ship Security Officer or STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Anti-piracy awareness Free online recruitment service Optional extra: RYA Powerboat Level 2
Before you start
Ideally, you will have a military background or be experienced in close protection work.
To be awarded the Ship Security Officer (SSO) certificate you must meet the MCA entry requirement of having 12 months sea service in the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy, on vessels of more than 80gt or 24m, or be able to show an equivalent level of seagoing experience and knowledge of ship operations
Candidates without this pre course experience will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (CPDSD)
What next
You have now completed the training and hold the essential certificates to work in the ship security industry.
If you have not logged 12 months at sea before the course you will leave Flying Fish with a CPDSD. On completion of 12 months sea service you will be entitled to your SSO certificate
Included in the price
Shared, self-catering accommodation at Point Cottages, safety equipment, publications, licence and exam fees
If you don't need our accommodation pay only GBP 1,490
