PDSD – STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Superyachts

This Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course has been tailored specifically for crew and staff, who work on board luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts.

This course is fully online. The course is run through one of our partners Virsec.

The course will take roughly 8 hours to complete and you can complete the course at your own pace.

COST

AUD $377 or £195

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PDSD – STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course for Superyachts

Course Introduction

Please Note: This Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course has been tailored towards crew & staff of luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts. For other vessel types, see the beginning of ‘Details’ in the tabs below for more vessel-type options. The aim of this Online Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Course, also referred to a Vessel Security Duties (VSD), is to provide those undertaking Designated Security Duties onboard yachts with the essential education and training meeting with the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements, the 2010 Manila Amendments, and the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code, and Table A-VI/6-2, and the International Ship and Port Facility security (ISPS) Code.

Course Features

✅ 100% Online Course & Assessments

✅ Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved

✅ Fully STCW ISPS Recognised Course

✅ Fully Compliant with IMO Model 3.26

✅ This Course is IMO Whitelisted

✅ No Expiry on the Official Course Certificate

✅ Comprehensive Set of Course Notes to Keep

✅ Learning Confirmation Exercises Throughout

✅ Interactive Learning Materials

✅ Rapid Turnaround on Course Certification

✅ Flexible Learning at Your Own Pace

✅ Course Tailored for this Specific Sector

✅ Take Online or Offline (See Brochure)

 

Vessel-Tailored Designated Security Duties Course

This Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course has been tailored specifically for crew and staff, who work on board luxury Superyachts, Mega Yachts and Motor Yachts. We also provide the following tailored versions of the Designated Security Duties Course for the following sectors, so if you are on one of these types of vessels, it is better you select it from the links provided below:

About This Course

The fully online, UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course, is a mandatory training requirement under STCW ISPS for members of a Yacht’s Crew or Staff reporting to the Ship Security Officer, who have been assigned designated security duties on board the yacht. The course will provide the Learner with the information required to complete the required instruction under STCW, the MNTB KUPs, IMO Model Course 3.26, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). For information on the course Awarding Body and Certification, please view the Certifications Tab.

Maritime Security Operators (MSO) Requirements

Please note that in most countries, personnel fulfilling the role of Maritime Security Operators (MSO) for Anti-Piracy Duties, must also undertake the PDSD course. Please refer to Flag State guidance from your relevant Department for Transport Agency, or employer to verify their legal requirement.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Maintain the conditions set out in a Ship Security Plan
  2. Recognise security risk and threats
  3. Undertake regular security inspections
  4. Properly use security equipment and systems

Regulations Addressed

  • The MNTB Security Courses Criteria (2nd Edition)
  • STCW Reg VI/6 para 4 Section A-VI/6, para 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code (2010)
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO) Model Course 3.26
  • The International Ship & Port Security (ISPS) Code 2004 as amended (STCW Table A-VI/6-2)

Course Brochure

For the full Proficiency in Designated Security Duties course description and details, download the course brochure here or from the button at the top of the page.

Subjects

 

  • 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.

 

Official MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Certification

 

Security Encrypted PDF Certificate

Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and associated official Assessment, Learners will receive an electronic security-encrypted version of your official course certificate (in secure PDF format). Certificates are usually emailed to the Learner within 24 to 48 hours of confirmation of the course results, or the next working day if the course is successfully completed on a Friday.

Awarding Body

The Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course is fully Approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is internationally recognised and accepted. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and meets the requirements of Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Convention and Code, and Table A-VI/6-2.

Hardcopy, Embossed Stamped Certificate

Learners may also request an embossed stamped, hardcopy certificate to be posted to their home address. Please note that VIRSEC is not responsible for any loss or delay of the certificate once it has been dispatched to Royal Mail. Should a Carrier Service be requested, then the relevant charges will be applied, and all payments must be made before the certificate is posted.

Certification Renewal

Under the Awarding Body (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), there are currently no expiry dates placed on the (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Designated Security Duties course certificates. Learners do not currently have to undertake a refresher or re-certification of this course unless directed to do so by the company they are working for.

Expedited Course Certificate Service

Should a Learner require the certificate to be expedited, either after office hours, at weekends, during holidays, or other means, a surcharge of £49.95 GBP (+VAT) will be charged and sent by Secure Payment Link. Please note that all payments must be made before the certificate is sent.

 

Please note you will be redirected to one of our partner’s websites Virsec to complete the course to complete & pay for the course.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the fully online Proficiency in Security Awareness or PDSD Course, is fully Approved under the UK Department for Transport, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course complies with the requirements placed upon it by the STCW Convention & Code, the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and meets with the Knowledge, Understanding & Proficiency (KUP) requirements laid out by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

Yes, this course is fully compliant with the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW). Any country that is signed up to the ISPS Code and STCW Convention should accept our certification. We have to date provided our courses into 130 countries worldwide.

All our courses have a six (6) month access licence applied to them. This licence commences the day the course is purchased, and not from the day you first access the course.

No, VIRSEC do provide you with a comprehensive set of Course Notes that you can download at the start of each of the Learning Outcomes. You can also use these notes to research any answers when taking the Official Assessment at the end of the course.

On the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course, there is an Assessment on completion of the five Learning Outcomes. You must achieve a minimum score of 70% to successfully complete the Assessment.

If you fail the Assessment, you may retake it again straight away, or whenever you wish within the 6-month licence applicable to your course [licences commence the day the course is purchased, not the date they are accessed].

No, the course is 100% online and you are required to adhere to the strict requirements outlined in the course explanation as well as any requests made of you during the course such as completing and submitting your online Learner Verification.

Yes, you are required to submit an official form of ID such as a scan of your passport, driving licence, or other official photo ID. This is to ensure you are who you state yourself to be, and so we can use this ID to collect the relevant information that will populate your official course certificate. It is very easy to do and will only take you around five (5) minutes to do.

Yes, for the Designated Security Duties there is a requirement for an invigilator to be present during your Assessment only. This can be the Master, Ship Security officer or other Officer ranked member of the crew. They will be required to complete the Online Invigilator Verification Form on our website [also linked from the course itself]. They must complete this form and be present at your Assessment. If you do not have access to an invigilator, please see the following question.

If you do not have access to an Invigilator, you must inform VIRSEC, and we will arrange for you to attend an online Remote Invigilation Session. This is a free of charge service we offer our learners, but you must make yourself available for the relevant session. You can arrange a Remote Invigilation Session by completing the online form accessed from the menu on the VIRSEC website under Online Forms. Please note that failing to attend an arranged Remote Invigilation Session may result in a charge for any subsequent requests.

When you complete the course correctly and pass the Official Assessment, we will verify your time spent on the course, your submitted ID, and your Official Assessment. Once we are satisfied, we will email you a secure, encrypted PDF of your certificate that you must print off and sign. These PDFs are security encrypted to prevent any tampering with information placed on them, and so you must print them off to sign with a black pen.

Yes, under the relevant Agencies and Conventions, the Security Awareness is an 8-hour course. This excludes any video content we have included [for interest], viewing of any websites linked from the course or documents also linked from the course.

We are allowed a slight variation in timings due to individual reading speeds, but we will fail you if you exceed the allowed variance. Please note that the Course Notes are purely there for reference and revision, and any time spent reading these do not count towards your time spent on the course. This is also covered in the course itself, so make sure you spend the time necessary to study properly.

The allowed variance. Please note that the Course Notes are purely there for reference and revision, and any time spent reading these do not count towards your time spent on the course. This is also covered in the course itself, so make sure you spend the time necessary to study properly.

You can take a break from the course at any time of your choosing. We also recommend that you have regular breaks and often build reminders into our courses. It is strongly recommended that if you are going to take a significant break, we recommend that you log out. The system will remember your progress so you may continue from that point when you log back in.

If you complete the course in an unrealistic time (too quickly) we will have no alternative but to fail you. It is important that you treat this like you would any officially Approved course taught in a classroom environment. The fact that it is online is not reason to abuse the requirements. As stated in other FAQs, we do allow a slight variance in timings due to individual reading speeds.

No, we do not take into consideration your time served, nor your rank. This is an ISPS Course, and there is an acceptable minimum time set by the relevant Awarding Body and Governing Bodies. If you abuse this, or do not meet with any of these requirements, you will fail the course regardless of the score achieved in the Assessment(s). You will be required to re-take the course and associated assessments.

VIRSEC are not responsible for you leaving your course until the last minute, and you run the risk of not receiving your certificate in the time needed. Certificates take up to 48 hours during the working week to turn around, and should this fall over a weekend, you may not receive the certificate until the next working day [holidays excluded]. If you require your certificate to be expedited, you may request this from VIRSEC, but we are under absolutely no obligation to do this and there will be an additional charge applied.

Learners are able to purchase courses and take them 365 days a year, 24 hours a day as we are an online company, with access to both our e-Commerce website and Learning Management System [LMS]. However, the company is open during the hours listed on its website [0900 to 1700 hrs GMT/BST Monday to Thursday, 0900 to 1500 hrs Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday and Bank Holidays]. Support requests may be made but will be managed during these listed office hours.

VIRSEC do have a Chat Facility on their website and you may make a request for support. However, this is only manned during the hours listed on its website [0900 to 1700 hrs GMT/BST Monday to Thursday, 0900 to 1500 hrs Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday and Bank Holidays]. Responses to comments or enquiries may take up to 24 hours, or until the next working day as detailed.