MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course Syllabus:

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Training in Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) must be undertaken by all seafarers and security personnel who are engaged onboard ship, who have been assigned designated duties under the Ship’s Security Plan (SSP).

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Course Duration:

8 hours with additional video footage.

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Course Assessment:

The course includes Learner Reflection Exercise and Final Course Assessment. 

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Course Learning Outcomes:

There are five Learning Outcomes to this training.

1. The learner knows why ship security is important and knows the roles and responsibilities of the organisations and individuals involved.

2. The learner knows what constitutes security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo and operations.

3. The learner knows the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment and systems.

4. The learner knows how to maintain the measures in a ship security plan and related requirements.

5. The learner is able to maintain the effectiveness of security arrangements, procedures and equipment at the three security levels, taking into account their limitations.

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On Completion of the Training:

The learner will possess sufficient knowledge to:

1. State the procedures used to ensure continuing effectiveness of the ship security plan at Security Levels 1, 2 and 3.

2. Conduct physical searches and non-intrusive inspections.

3. Identify factors affecting crowd management and describe appropriate crowd control techniques.

4. Explain the importance of pre-planning and participating in drills of emergency procedures affecting the security of the ship and/or port facility including:

   • The need for all personnel to be aware of and adhere to pre-planned emergency procedures in the event of an emergency situation; 

   • Establishing and maintaining effective communications.

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Please Note: Maritime Security Operatives (MSO's)
Those persons conducting personal close protection and/or ship protection duties (MSO) on ISPS-compliant ships, do not need to hold an SSO qualification unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel in which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ship’s security duties they will have to hold an MCA Approved or recognized Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. This is a legal requirement enforced by the UK DOT Maritime & Coastguard Agency.​

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Course Subjects:

This is one of the most informative online PDSD Courses available, boasting an impressive amount of subject matter meeting with the requirements under the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

• The Development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

• Understand the relevant international conventions, codes and recommendations relating to Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of relevant bodies and organisations.

• The roles and responsibilities of Contracting Governments, Designated Authorities, and Recognised Security Organisations.

• The Security Roles & Responsibilities of Crew and Port Security Personnel.

• Measures and Procedures for Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels.

• Recognition of weapons, dangerous substances and devices.

• Recognition of persons who may pose a threat to the security of the ship.

• Identifying techniques used to circumvent security measures.

• The handling of Sensitive Security-Related Information (SSRI) and Communications.

• Identifying security threats including Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.

• Security methods, equipment & systems.

• Security monitoring, monitoring equipment & systems.

• The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

• The Ship Security Plan (SSP).

• The provisions for maintaining security.

• Criteria for setting Maritime Security (MARSEC) levels under the ISPS Code.

• Actions to prevent weapons, dangerous substances and devices being brought on board.

• Guidance and measure for Anti-Piracy and Anti-Armed Robbery.

• Responses to Emergency Situations including Maritime Piracy & Armed Robbery against Shipping.

• Physical Searches & Non-Intrusive Inspections.

• Crowd Management & Control Requirements.

• Emergency Drills & Exercises.

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Course Certification:

This course is fully approved by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) as meeting the requirements laid down in: Regulation VI/6, paragraph 4 and Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended and incorporates Proficiency in Security Awareness laid down in Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 of the STCW Convention and Code and has also met the additional criteria specified in the STCW Convention and Code, applicable to the issue of this certificate.

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Learners will receive a scanned copy of the official course certificate upon successful completion of the course, and they can request a hardcopy certificate to be posted to their home address for a small administration and postage charge.

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