Life at sea is extraordinary, whether we’re working on a luxury superyacht, serving passengers on a cruise liner, or helping move cargo across the globe. But behind the sunsets and open horizons lies a simple truth: the ocean isn’t always predictable, and neither are the people who interact with ships.
That’s why STCW security awareness training is such a crucial step for anyone pursuing a maritime career. It’s about more than checking a mandatory requirement; it’s about staying safe, protecting those around us, and being ready for the unexpected.
The importance of security awareness cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in protecting vessels, ports, and strategic shipping lanes from threats such as terrorism, hijacking, and pollution.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what the training involves, why it matters, and how it can help shape your career at sea. Think of it as a friendly roadmap to understanding security awareness, explained in practical, everyday terms.
What Is STCW Security Awareness Training?
The STCW security awareness training is a mandatory requirement for all seafarers who don’t hold designated security duties. It comes directly from the STCW Code, the international convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, along with Chapter XI 2 (sometimes written xi 2), which forms the backbone of international maritime security regulations. The ISPS Code also supports this requirement.
This security awareness course provides the basic information and knowledge required to identify potential threats and apply appropriate information when responding to suspicious activities. It is officially known as STCW A-VI/6-1, and upon completion, participants earn a certificate called the Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA), which is internationally recognised and MCA-approved. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the UK’s official coastguard agency responsible for approving and accrediting maritime security training providers.
Why Security Awareness Matters at Sea
It’s easy to imagine ships as closed, safe spaces, but the maritime industry faces unique challenges. Piracy, terrorism, armed robbery incidents, and smuggling are realities crews must remain aware of.
On a superyacht, the risks may look different than on a cargo ship, but the principle remains the same: proper security measures save lives.
Security awareness matters because it:
- Protects crew, passengers, and cargo from security threats.
- Ensures compliance with the ISPS Code, Chapter XI 2, and port facility security regulations.
- Helps ship operators avoid costly incidents or reputational harm.
- Builds a culture of vigilance, when seafarers work together and remain alert, everyone is safer.
Port security plays a crucial role in international maritime security initiatives, supporting cooperation to prevent terrorism and enhance the safety of ports and shipping operations.
When we understand suspicious activities, know what dangerous substances look like, and recognize different security levels, we collectively enhance ship security and safeguard the vessel in accordance with international maritime regulations.
Who Needs the Training?
One of the most common myths is that only officers or security staff need this awareness training. The reality is simple: every seafarer must complete STCW security awareness unless they already hold a designated security duties certificate.
That includes:
- Seafarers employed on commercial ships.
- Personnel on cruise liners and passenger vessels.
- Superyacht crew of all ranks.
If you’re working on a vessel covered by the ISPS Code and international ship security plan, this security awareness course applies to you.
Understanding the ISPS Code
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is the cornerstone of maritime security in today’s shipping industry. Developed in response to growing global security concerns, the ISPS Code was introduced through chapter XI 2 of the SOLAS Convention, setting out special measures to enhance maritime security for ships and port facilities worldwide. The Code is divided into two parts: Part A, which contains mandatory requirements, and Part B, which offers guidance on how to meet those requirements.
At its core, the ISPS Code treats security as a risk management process. Every international ship and port facility must regularly assess potential threats and vulnerabilities, then implement security measures tailored to their specific risks.
This standardized approach ensures that ships and port facilities operate at appropriate security levels, no matter where they are in the world.
By following the ISPS Code, ship operators and port authorities can create a consistent, internationally recognised framework for maritime security, helping to protect ships, cargo, and personnel from evolving security threats.
What Does STCW Security Awareness Training Cover?
This cost-effective training is short but covers a wide range of knowledge required to build awareness and enable personnel to respond appropriately. By the end, we should feel prepared to react to a security incident or other emergencies calmly.
The course content typically includes:
- Security threats and potential threats such as piracy, armed robbery, smuggling, and stowaways.
- Maritime security levels and the different security levels that impact daily operations.
- Recognizing suspicious activities, items, and dangerous substances.
- Reporting procedures and communication within the ship security plan, including the importance of establishing contact with port facility security officers and relevant authorities regarding security concerns.
- Emergency procedures and contingency plans for port facilities and at sea.
- Role of the Ship Security Officer in the implementation and support of the overall system.
The training is intended to provide seafarers with knowledge, not to make them specialists, but to ensure they can contribute to compliance and safety.
Different Security Levels
A key feature of the ISPS Code is its use of different security levels to address varying degrees of potential threats. These security levels guide ships and port facilities in adjusting their security measures according to the current risk assessment.
- Security Level 1 (Normal): This is the default level, where ships and port facilities maintain minimum appropriate protective security measures at all times. It’s the baseline for daily operations.
- Security Level 2 (Heightened): When there is an increased risk of a security incident, additional security measures are put in place temporarily. This level requires heightened vigilance and readiness to respond to potential threats.
- Security Level 3 (Exceptional): This level is activated when a security incident is probable or imminent. It calls for the most stringent security measures, maintained for a limited period to address the specific threat.
Security levels can be raised progressively or, in urgent cases, jump directly from Level 1 to Level 3, depending on the assessment of the situation. Understanding and responding to these different security levels is essential for all personnel, ensuring that ships and port facilities remain prepared to handle any security incident.
Training Delivery and Format
The STCW security awareness course is designed to be flexible, with options for both classroom sessions and online training.
Here’s what to expect:
- Duration: Usually 4–6 hours.
- Format: classroom, blended, or online course.
- Assessment: a short test to confirm knowledge.
- Learning style: videos, interactive exercises, and emergency procedures scenarios.
For seafarers working in the superyacht sector, an online course is often the most convenient way to complete the training. Providers offer MCA-approved modules that can be completed from any location.
Certification and Validity
Upon completion, seafarers receive a certificate of proficiency in security awareness, also known as STCW Proficiency (PSA). The certificate is generally valid for life, provided seafarers continue to participate in drills and refresh their knowledge as required by their ship security plan.
Employers and flag states may have specific requirements for refresher training; however, compliance remains valid indefinitely under the STCW Code.
Security Awareness vs. Designated Security Duties
It’s common to confuse awareness training with designated security duties, but they differ:
- Security awareness training: for seafarers without security duties.
- Designated security duties: for crew involved in implementing the ship security plan and assisting the Ship Security Officer.
If your role doesn’t involve direct security measures, the awareness training is the course intended for you.
Security Equipment and Systems
Modern maritime security relies heavily on effective security equipment and systems, as required by the ISPS Code. Ships and port facilities must implement a range of security measures to protect against security threats, including access control systems to manage who comes on board, surveillance cameras to monitor key areas, and secure communication systems for reporting incidents.
One critical tool is the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), which allows crew members to discreetly notify the flag State of a security threat or incident without alerting those nearby. This system is a vital part of ship security, enabling a rapid response to emergencies.
Another important system is the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which broadcasts ship information to improve safety and situational awareness. However, AIS can also pose risks if misused by pirates or terrorists, so the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken steps to address these concerns while preserving the system’s benefits.
By investing in robust security equipment and systems, ships and port facilities can significantly enhance maritime security and ensure compliance with the ISPS Code.
Emergency Response Planning
Effective emergency response planning is a fundamental aspect of maritime security. The ISPS Code requires every ship and port facility to have detailed contingency plans in place for responding to security incidents. These plans outline emergency procedures for a range of scenarios, including evacuation, communication, and coordination with authorities.
Security awareness training plays a vital role in preparing personnel to act swiftly and appropriately during emergencies. By understanding emergency procedures and recognizing security threats, crew members can help enhance ship security and minimize the impact of any incident.
Regular drills and training ensure that everyone on board knows their role in the event of a security breach, supporting the overall safety of the maritime industry.
Having well-developed emergency response plans and ensuring all personnel are trained in their implementation is essential for maintaining a secure environment on ships and in port facilities.
This proactive approach not only meets the requirements of the ISPS Code but also builds confidence and resilience among seafarers and maritime professionals.
Refresher Training and Drills
Although the PSA certificate usually has no expiry date, seafarers employed on international ship voyages regularly take part in drills and exercises in accordance with the ISPS Code and port facility security requirements.
Drills and exercises are especially important for ships operating within a country’s territorial sea, where maintaining appropriate security levels and effective risk communication is critical.
These drills, supported by coastguard agencies and organisations such as the UK DfT Maritime and MCA-approved providers, ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and help maintain the knowledge required to respond to emergencies.
Benefits of Completing the Course
Completing the STCW security awareness course offers benefits beyond holding a certificate.
- Compliance with international convention requirements.
- Improved employability for seafarers working in the maritime industry, including superyachts.
- Confidence in responding to a security incident or emergency procedures.
- Professional credibility is achieved by meeting the intended standards of training.
Completing the training also supports established maritime security frameworks and guidelines designed to protect the shipping industry.
This awareness training also shows ship operators and organisations that you value safety and professionalism.
How to Enrol
Most MCA approved maritime training providers offer easy enrolment for an online course. If you are in South Africa, we at Certified Training can guide you through the simple steps to get started.
For your convenience, we have shared the basic steps here below:
- Choose an approved provider.
- Complete the online registration.
- Study the course materials through online training or in person.
- Take the assessment.
- Receive your certificate, often digitally, to provide appropriate information for employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STCW security awareness training?
It’s a security awareness course required for all seafarers without designated security duties.
Who needs it?
All seafarers working on ships under the ISPS Code who are not assigned security duties.
How long does it take?
Usually 4–6 hours, with both classroom and online training available.
What topics are covered?
Security threats, security levels, reporting procedures, emergency procedures, and ship security plan implementation.
What certificate do I get?
A certificate of proficiency in security awareness (PSA).
Is it valid for life?
Yes, though drills and refresher exercises are required in accordance with international maritime regulations.
Can I take it as an online course?
Yes, most providers offer MCA-approved online training modules.
What’s the difference between awareness training and designated security duties?
Awareness training is for all crew, while designated security duties training is for those directly involved with the ship’s security plan.
Final Thoughts
The sea offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with responsibilities. STCW security awareness is not only a mandatory requirement, but it’s also a safeguard that helps every crew member contribute to ship security, port facility security, and international compliance.
By completing this security awareness training, seafarers working in the maritime industry demonstrate professionalism, safety awareness, and readiness to deal with potential threats. It’s one of the first steps in building a career at sea, ensuring we can enhance ship security and work confidently within the framework of the STCW Code, Chapter XI 2, and the ISPS Code.