STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
MCA-Approved STCW Security Awareness Training | Half-Day Course | Hamble, Southampton
The STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) course provides essential maritime security training for seafarers working on commercial ships and superyachts subject to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It is particularly relevant for superyachts, cruise ships and merchant vessels
This four-hour course is designed for seafarers who do not have designated security duties. You will learn how to recognise potential security threats, maintain vigilance and contribute to the security of your vessel, fellow crew members and passengers.
Chieftain Training is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to deliver STCW Security Awareness training. Our classroom-based courses take place in Hamble, near Southampton, with free on-site parking.
Successful candidates receive an STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness, meeting the requirements of STCW Regulation VI/6 and Code Table A-VI/6-1.
You can book this course individually or as part of our STCW Basic Safety Training Week.
View STCW Security Awareness Course Dates and Book Online
STCW Security Awareness Course – At a Glance
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) |
| Approval | Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) |
| STCW Reference | Regulation VI/6, Code Section A-VI/6, Table A-VI/6-1 |
| Duration | 4 hours (half day) |
| Location | Chieftain Training, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire |
| Minimum Age | 16 years |
| Prerequisites | No previous maritime qualifications or sea service required |
| Delivery | Classroom-based training |
| Certification | STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness |
| Certificate Validity | No routine STCW expiry or periodic refresher requirement |
| Parking | Free private on-site parking |
Who Needs STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness?
Under STCW Regulation VI/6, seafarers employed or engaged on ships required to comply with the ISPS Code must undertake appropriate security training.
The PSA qualification is intended for personnel who do not have designated security duties. It is commonly required by crew working on:
- Commercial superyachts subject to the ISPS Code
- Merchant ships and commercial cargo vessels
- Cruise ships and passenger vessels subject to the ISPS Code
- Tankers and other internationally trading commercial ships
- Other vessels required to comply with the ISPS Code
The requirement depends on the vessel’s regulatory status and the individual’s responsibilities, rather than simply the type or size of vessel.
Security Awareness training is relevant to deck crew, engineering personnel, stewards, stewardesses, hotel staff and other seafarers employed or engaged on ISPS-compliant ships.
Those assigned specific security duties under the Ship Security Plan require additional training, normally STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD).
STCW Security Awareness Course Syllabus
Our MCA-approved PSA course covers the knowledge, understanding and proficiency required by STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1.
The training addresses three principal areas of competence.
1. Contributing to Maritime Security Through Heightened Awareness
Understand the importance of maritime security and how all seafarers contribute to maintaining a secure shipboard environment. Topics include:
- The purpose and principles of the ISPS Code
- The importance of maritime security procedures
- Security responsibilities of shipboard personnel
- Recognising the different maritime security levels
- The importance of complying with the Ship Security Plan
- Reporting security incidents and concerns
2. Recognising Maritime Security Threats
Learn to identify potential threats to ships, personnel, passengers and cargo, and understand the importance of responding appropriately. Topics include:
- Common types of maritime security threats
- Piracy, armed robbery and other unlawful acts
- Suspicious behaviour and unauthorised access
- Recognition of potentially dangerous objects and substances
- Techniques used to circumvent security measures
- The importance of promptly reporting suspicious activity
3. Maintaining Security Awareness and Vigilance
Understand how everyday shipboard activities contribute to effective security and why vigilance must be maintained throughout a voyage. Topics include:
- Maintaining awareness of security risks
- Recognising changes in the security environment
- Security communications and reporting procedures
- The importance of following established security measures
- Participation in security drills and exercises
- Individual responsibilities for maintaining vessel security
The course develops security awareness rather than specialist security enforcement skills. It does not qualify candidates to undertake designated security duties without the appropriate additional training.
PSA, PDSD and SSO – Which STCW Security Course Do I Need?
There are different levels of STCW maritime security training. The correct qualification depends on your responsibilities aboard ship.
| Qualification | Who Is It For? | STCW Reference |
|---|---|---|
| PSA – Proficiency in Security Awareness | Seafarers without designated security duties | Table A-VI/6-1 |
| PDSD – Proficiency in Designated Security Duties | Seafarers assigned specific security duties under the Ship Security Plan | Table A-VI/6-2 |
| SSO – Ship Security Officer | Personnel designated to act as the Ship Security Officer | Section A-VI/5 |
STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
PSA provides the essential knowledge needed by seafarers without designated security duties. It is generally the appropriate entry-level security qualification for crew joining ISPS-compliant ships.
STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
PDSD is a higher-level qualification for crew assigned particular responsibilities under the Ship Security Plan. Training includes security procedures, recognising threats, maintaining security measures and undertaking designated security responsibilities.
Chieftain Training also delivers the MCA-approved STCW PDSD course.
You do not need to complete PSA before undertaking PDSD. Seafarers holding suitable higher-level security qualifications do not normally need to complete the separate PSA course.
Ship Security Officer (SSO)
The SSO qualification is intended for personnel designated as Ship Security Officer. The role includes responsibilities associated with implementing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan, coordinating security activities and liaising with relevant security personnel.
Seafarers should check their intended duties with their employer or vessel operator before selecting a security qualification.
STCW PSA Course Duration and Prerequisites
The STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness course takes four hours and is delivered over half a day at Chieftain Training in Hamble, Southampton.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age of 16 years
- No previous maritime qualifications required
- No previous sea service required
- Sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to participate in the training and assessment
- Suitable photographic identification, checked on arrival
There are no specific medical fitness or physical fitness prerequisites for this classroom-based course.
For further information about attending the course, please see our STCW course joining instructions.
STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete the approved course and required assessment receive an STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness.
The certificate demonstrates that the holder has met the relevant training requirements of STCW Regulation VI/6 and Code Table A-VI/6-1.
The qualification is internationally recognised under the STCW framework, subject to the requirements and recognition policies of individual flag administrations.
Does the STCW PSA Certificate Expire?
STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness does not have a routine five-year expiry or refresher requirement under the STCW Convention.
However, seafarers must still complete relevant ship-specific security familiarisation and participate in any additional training required by their employer or flag administration.
What Is Included in the Course Fee?
- Four hours of MCA-approved Security Awareness training
- Required course assessment
- STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness, subject to successful completion
- PSA Manual
- Tea and coffee
- Free private on-site parking
What Is Not Included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
Why Choose Chieftain Training for STCW Security Awareness?
Chieftain Training provides MCA-approved maritime training from our established training centre in Hamble, near Southampton.
MCA-Approved Training Provider
Our STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness course is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. You can verify approved training providers through the MCA’s official approved training provider listings.
Experienced Maritime Training Organisation
Chieftain Training delivers a wide range of professional maritime qualifications for seafarers, yacht crew and commercial marine personnel, including STCW safety, medical and security courses.
Convenient Southampton Location
Our Hamble training centre is conveniently located for candidates travelling from Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Hampshire, London, the Isle of Wight and further afield.
We offer free private parking, Local accommodation is available for candidates attending multiple-day training programmes.
Standalone Course or Basic Safety Week
You can take PSA as an individual half-day course or combine it with the other modules included in our STCW Basic Safety Training Week.
Security Awareness is a separate STCW qualification under Regulation VI/6, although it is commonly packaged with the four core STCW Basic Training modules for seafarers preparing to join their first vessel.
Not-for-Profit Training Organisation
Chieftain Training operates on a not-for-profit basis, reinvesting surpluses into training facilities, equipment and opportunities for participation in maritime activities.
Frequently Asked Questions – STCW Security Awareness
What is STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)?
STCW PSA is an internationally recognised maritime security qualification for seafarers without designated security duties. It covers recognising security threats, maintaining vigilance and contributing to maritime security aboard ships subject to the ISPS Code. The qualification is governed by STCW Regulation VI/6 and Code Table A-VI/6-1.
Who needs an STCW Security Awareness certificate?
Seafarers employed or engaged aboard ships required to comply with the ISPS Code need appropriate security training. PSA is intended for those without designated security duties, including many deck, engineering, hospitality and other crew members. Personnel holding suitable higher-level security qualifications do not normally need a separate PSA certificate.
Is STCW PSA part of Basic Safety Training?
PSA is a separate security qualification under STCW Regulation VI/6. The four core Basic Training modules are Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. PSA is commonly completed alongside these modules and is included in Chieftain Training’s Basic Safety Week package.
What is the difference between PSA and PDSD?
PSA is designed for seafarers without designated security duties. PDSD is for personnel assigned specific security responsibilities under the Ship Security Plan. PDSD is a higher-level qualification, and you do not have to complete PSA before taking PDSD.
How long does the STCW PSA course take?
Chieftain Training’s STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness course lasts four hours and is delivered over half a day at our training centre in Hamble, Southampton.
Does an STCW Security Awareness certificate expire?
No. There is no routine expiry date or five-year refresher requirement for STCW PSA under the STCW Convention. However, employers and flag administrations may require additional security training, familiarisation or evidence of continued competence.
Do I need previous maritime qualifications to take PSA?
No. PSA is an entry-level maritime security qualification. You do not need previous maritime qualifications or sea service. Chieftain Training requires candidates to be at least 16 years old and to provide suitable photographic identification.
Can I complete STCW Security Awareness online?
Yes. Some training providers offer MCA-approved computer-based Security Awareness courses. Chieftain Training delivers its PSA course in person at Hamble, Southampton. Candidates considering online training should verify the provider’s approval and ensure the qualification will be accepted by their flag administration and employer.
Do all superyacht crew need STCW PSA?
Crew working on commercial superyachts subject to the ISPS Code generally need appropriate maritime security training. PSA is suitable for those without designated security duties. Those assigned specific security responsibilities require a suitable higher-level qualification, such as PDSD. Requirements depend on the vessel and the individual’s responsibilities.
Does PSA replace shipboard security familiarisation?
No. PSA provides general maritime security knowledge. Seafarers joining an ISPS-compliant ship must also complete appropriate ship-specific security familiarisation before being assigned shipboard duties, as required by the STCW Code.
Can I book STCW PSA without taking the full Basic Safety Week?
Yes. Chieftain Training offers STCW PSA as a standalone half-day course. Alternatively, candidates requiring several STCW qualifications can book the complete Basic Safety Week package.
Book Your STCW Security Awareness Course
Chieftain Training delivers MCA-approved STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness courses at our Hamble training centre near Southampton.
You can book the four-hour PSA course individually, making it suitable for existing seafarers who need to obtain their security qualification without repeating other STCW courses.
If you are starting a maritime career and require the full entry-level package, consider our STCW Basic Safety Training Week, which includes PSA alongside the four core Basic Training modules.
Select your preferred course date and book online using the booking calendar below.