This course is for:

Crew members without designated security duties on board ship and requirements set in the STCW, and SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Approved Training Courses:

Virtual Maritime Academy is a Transport Canada Recognized Institution. This course is fully approved and certified under Transport Canada. Transport Canada training certificate is internationally recognized and accepted under STCW around the world including MCA, USCG, AMSA just to name a few….

Qualification:

Regulation VI/6, paragraph 1 and Section A-VI/6, paragraph 4 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended.

Prerequisite:

No Pre-Requisites.

Regulations, Code, Convention Addressed:

The International Ship & Port Security (ISPS) Code, STCW Table A-VI/6-1.

Learning Objectives:

1. The meaning and the consequential requirements of the different security levels;
2. Knowledge of emergency procedures and contingency plans;
3. Recognition and detection of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices;
4. Recognition, on a non-discriminatory basis, of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security; and
5. Techniques used to circumvent security measures.

Course Structure:

The PSA course consists of:

• 5 chapters.
• Confirmation questions after each chapter
• Course Manual, and
• A Final Course Assessment

Assessment:

There are multi-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and a final assessment. The passing mark is 70%. The Final Assessment is fully online and no need to attend any classroom. A Proctor will be assigned to you to monitor you during your Final Assessment. You will need a computer(not a tablet or Chromebook) with a webcam and an ok internet speed for your Final Assessment.  If for any reason you do not pass with a mark of at least 70% of your Final Assessment there is a fee a 75$ + applicable taxes to re-attempt the Final Assessment.

Final Assessment Equipment Requirements

1. Device: A desktop computer or laptop is necessary with a Webcam and microphone. The Final Assessment is not compatible with tablets, cell phones, or Chromebooks.
2. Operating System: Windows 10 or later, Mac OS X 11 or later
3. Web Browser: Google Chrome v39 or later or Mozilla Firefox v34 or later
4. Internet Connection: 3 Mbps or better for upload and download speed
5. Hardware: 8GB or more of RAM, Microphone and speakers, Webcam

Length:

Approximately 5.75 hours.

You can enter and exit this course as often as you require.

Delivery:

The course is 100% online, and on-demand, and no requirement to attend a test in a classroom.

Student Verification Requirements:

As required by Transport Canada and DNV, students must complete a simple online verification form accessible from within the course. This includes submitting a scanned copy of an official government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

Training Certification:

Transport Canada fully approves the online PSA/VPWOSR Course and is internationally recognized.  It includes the Manila Amendments and incorporates the PSA/VPWSOR course lay down in Regulation VI/5, paragraph 1 and Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended, as laid down in Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 of the STCW Convention and Code.

Certificate:

A hardcopy will be posted to your address free of charge.

Course Subjects:

A course meeting all the requirements.

• Maritime Security Policy
• Maritime Security Definitions
• Techniques used to circumvent security measures
• Security levels
• Security Responsibilities
• The IMO, ISPS, STCW, and SOLAS Explanation
• Security-Related Information, SSRI
• What is a Ship Security Officer
• How to report Security Related incidents
• Threat Identification, Recognition & Response
• Ship Security Actions
• Emergency Preparedness, Drills & Exercises.
• Download the Official Course Syllabus HERE

Revision : 7, 2025