STCW Basic & Advanced

Ship Security Officer (SSO)

The SSO course prepares the officer designated by the company as responsible for the security of the ship, implementation of the SSP, and liaison with CSOs and PFSOs.

Regulatory basis

  • STCW 2010 Regulation VI/5
  • STCW Code Section A-VI/5
  • ISPS Code Part A/12
  • IMO Model Course 3.19

Target audience

  • Officers nominated as SSO

Prerequisites

  • Seagoing experience and management-level competence preferred
Learning objectives

What you'll be able to do

Implement and maintain the Ship Security Plan
Perform regular security inspections of the ship
Coordinate with the CSO, PFSO, and shore authorities
Train and brief shipboard personnel on security awareness
Course content

Modules & topics

Indicative module breakdown — actual delivery is adapted to the audience and operational context.

01

ISPS framework

  • SOLAS XI-2
  • ISPS Parts A & B
02

Risk assessment

  • Threat analysis
  • Vulnerability assessment
03

Security plan implementation

  • Drills & exercises
  • Audits
  • Record keeping
04

Response

  • Security incidents
  • Piracy
  • Coordination with authorities

Assessment

Written examination and case-study based assessment.

Certification

STCW Certificate of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer.

References & further reading

Authoritative sources

This course aligns with international maritime conventions and IMO Model Courses. Use these references for detailed regulatory text.

Interested in this course?

Request open-enrolment dates, an in-house quotation, or on-board delivery for your fleet. We respond within 2 business days.

Alternatively, send us a direct email at captmohab@googlemail.com