Vessel Security Officer (VSO)

Did You Know?

Shipping giant Maersk was forced to replace tens of thousands of servers and computers in the aftermanth of a ransomware attack. The Maersk computer system runs an operation that handles 20% of all world trade; it carries an average of 20,000 containers into ports around the world, every 15 minutes. The attack caused a loss of $250 - $300 million.

Vessel-Security-Officer

Accredited Certification

Earn professional certificates approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and/or Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Most countries accept Class-approved training certificate as equivalent for local endorsements. Check with your flag state for endorsement requirements.

This is an ABS-approved course. Candidates will earn an ABS-approved course completion certificate upon successful completion of this course.

This course is also approved by the US Coast Guard. US citizens can earn a USCG-approved course completion certificate by passing a proctored online test from a USCG-approved location.


Each ship must have its designated and trained Security officer. Any candidate who satisfactorily completes the Vessel Security Officer course will satisfy the training requirements of 33 CFR 104.215(d)(1)(iv) and STCW Code Section A-VI/5 for an STCW endorsement as Vessel Security Officer.

This syllabus covers the requirements of the STCW Code as amended Chapter VI, Section A-VI/5. Candidates who successfully complete this course should be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities of a designated Vessel Security Officer as defined in 33 CFR Part 104.


Course Topics:

  1. Maritime Security Policy
  2. Security Responsibilities
  3. Ship Security Assessment
  4. Security equipment and systems
  5. Ship Security Plan
  6. Threat Identification, Recognition, and Response
  7. Ship Security Actions
  8. Emergency Preparedness, Drills, and Exercises
  9. Security Administration
  10. Security Training
The Benefits of Online Courses

  • Flexible course enrollment
  • Interactive online program proctored by industry experts
  • Affordable and convenient with volume license discounts for corporate customers
  • Certificate of achievement issued by Mariner Skills upon successful program completion

Upon registration, courses are conveniently accessible online for condidates to participate at their own pace and on their own schedule