STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course

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 Ship’s Crew or Staff reporting to the Ship Security Officer, who have been assigned designated security duties on board ship. 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.

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 as amended (STCW Table A-VI/6-2)

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.