PROFICIENCY IN SECURITY AWARENESSS for all Seafarers

The STCW convention and code as amended by the Manila Amendements in (2010) has certain mandatory requirements regarding security training of seafarers. These regulations which came into force on 1st January 2010, requires all ship board personnel to carry out ship security training.

STCW Code section A-VI/6 is the mandatory minimum requirements for security related training and instruction for all seafarers. Before joining a vessel and reporting to shipboard duties all persons employed onboard are required to comply with the ISPS Code. (International Ships and Port Facility Security Code)

They shall receive approved security related familiarization training in the following:-

1. Report a security incident, including a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack

2. Know the procedures to follow when they recognize a security threat

3. take part in security related emergency and contingency procedure

Security related familiarization training onboard is conducted by the ship security officer on board.

The minimum standard of competence is security awareness is tabulated in STCW Table A -VI /6-1

Course contains the following topics:

• Currant security threats and patterns

• Ship and port operations and conditions

• Maritime Security Policy

• Definitions

• Security Responsibilities

• Threat Identification, Recognition and Response

• Ship Security Actions

• Reporting procedure in High-risk area

• Security drills and exercises

• Supporting videos

• Assessment