Vessel Security Officer Sign-Up
This is our 2 day/ 16 hr. Vessel Security Officer Course.
A mariner who successfully completes the course will satisfy the training requirements of 33 CFR 104.215(d)(iv) and STCW Code Section A-VI/5 for an STCW endorsement as Vessel Security Officer.
The Vessel Security Officer is usually the Master of the vessel, or someone he/she designates as VSO
Qualifications
The VSO must have general knowledge, through training or equivalent job experience, in the following:
(1) Those items listed in § 104.210 (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this part;
(2) Vessel layout;
(3) The VSP and related procedures, including scenario-based response training;
(4) Crowd management and control techniques;
(5) Operations of security equipment and systems; and
(6) Testing and calibration of security equipment and systems, and their maintenance while at sea.
(7) TWIC
(c)Certification required. After July 1, 2009, persons performing duties as VSO on-board a seagoing vessel subject to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended. Must hold a valid Coast Guard-issued credential with a Vessel Security Officer endorsement. The Coast Guard will issue this endorsement only if the person meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section. This endorsement serves as proof that the person meets the ship security officer requirements of Regulation VI/5 of the STCW.
(d)Requirements for Coast Guard Endorsement: (1) To qualify for a VSO endorsement, a person must:
(i) Be at least 18 years of age;
(ii) Be able to speak and understand the English language as would be relevant to the duties of a VSO;
(iii) Hold any valid Coast Guard-issued credential under the regulations specified in 46 CFR Subchapter B;
(iv) Successfully complete a Coast Guard-accepted VSO course;
(v) Sea Service. Fulfill one of the following:
(A) Have approved sea service of not less than 12 months on any vessel subject to § 104.105 of this part, credited in accordance with 46 CFR10.205(e), 10.211, and/or 10.213; or
(B) Have approved sea service of not less than 6 months on any vessel subject to § 104.105 of this part, credited in accordance with 46 CFR 10.205(b),10.211, and/or 10.213, and have knowledge of vessel operations.
