Circular

ISPS 01/2014
Dated: 31 January 2014

TO:

INSB Auditors All Managing Companies

Subject: New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel

1. Introduction
The STCW Convention and Code as amended by the Manila Amendments (2010) contains new requirements regarding security training. This training is required by all personnel employed or engaged onboard ships to which the ISPS Code applies. From 1st January 2014, all seafarers will require documentary evidence to confirm that they have been trained and certified in security matters in accordance with the new 2010 security provisions, which include new anti-piracy elements and anti-armed robbery-related activities on board ships to which the ISPS Code applies. Failure to present such documentary evidence may lead to suspension/not issuance of the ISSC during the ISPS audits and the ships detention by the PSC. STCW Convention regulation VI/6 requires all seafarers on ships subject to the ISPS Code, to have received security related training and instruction relevant to their assigned duties on-board. The provisions regarding security related training contained in STCW Regulation VI/6, Section A-VI/6 and Section B-VI/6 cover the following subjects: Security related Familiarization Training; Security Awareness Training for seafarers without designated security duties; and Security Training for seafarers with Designated Security Duties. The training and qualification requirements for Ship Security Officers (SSO) remain unchanged by the entry into force of STCW Regulation VI/6. Requirements and clarification of the meaning of approved training to be in accordance of the Administrations instructions.

2. Training Requirements
2.1 Security-related familiarisation training The amended requirement states that approved security-related familiarisation training must be conducted for all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the provisions of the ISPS Code, prior to them being assigned shipboard duties. Security-related familiarization training or instruction shall be carried out by the Ship Security Officer (SSO) or another equally qualified person. This training should emphasize ship security issues and provide guidance for seafarers so that they are at least be able to: report a security incident, including a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack; know the procedures to follow when they recognize a security threat; and take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures.

ISPS Circular No.: ISPS 01/2014 Issue date: 31 January 2014

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In this, the approach is very similar to that adopted in STCW VI/1 and the training required by ISM Code Section 6.3 for Safety Familiarisation Training and it is anticipated that will be combined with the Security Related Familiarisation Training. Documentary evidence must be kept by the ship to demonstrate that this training has been completed. The training can be incorporated into the ships safety familiarisation programme and use the existing method of recording the delivery of training.

2.1 Security Awareness Training for seafarers without designated security duties Seafarers should undertake training for proficiency in security awareness at least once. There is no need for refresher or revalidation if the seafarer satisfies the security related familiarization requirements of STCW Regulation VI/6 and has participated in the drills and exercises required by the ISPS Code. This training applies to seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship as part of the ships complement without designated security duties. An STCW Certificate of Proficiency issued in accordance with STCW Regulation VI/6.2 and Section A-VI/6.4 of the STCW Code in security awareness must be issued to show that this training has been carried out. The training should be in accordance with IMO Model Course 3.27 Security awareness training for all seafarers. On completion of this training the seafarer shall be able to: a. contribute to the enhancement of maritime security through heightened awareness; b. recognise security threats; and c. understand the need for and methods of maintaining security awareness and vigilance. Transitional provisions are provided in Section A-VI/6.5 of the STCW Code (see below).

2.3 Security Training for seafarers with Designated Security Duties Seafarers should undertake training for proficiency in designated security duties at least once. There is no need for refresher or revalidation if the seafarer satisfies the security-related familiarization requirements of STCW Regulation VI/6 and has participated in the drills and exercise required by the ISPS Code. This training is required for seafarers who have security duties as specified in the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and includes those duties related to anti-piracy and anti-armed robbery measures. Seafarers with such designated security duties should hold a Certificate of Proficiency issued in accordance with STCW Regulation VI/6.5 and Section A-VI/6.6 of the STCW Code. The training should be in accordance with IMO Model Course 3.26 Security awareness training for seafarers with designated security duties These seafarers shall be required to demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/6-2 of the STCW Code which includes: a. maintaining the conditions set out in a Ship Security Plan; b. recognising security risks and threats; c. undertaking regular security inspections; and d. properly using security equipment and systems. A person trained and certificated in designated security duties need not complete separate security-awareness training. Transitional provisions are provided in Section A-VI/6.5 of the STCW Code (see below).

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3. Transitional provisions 3.1. Seafarers who commenced their sea service before 01 January 2012 are not required to undertake further training, provided they can demonstrate that they meet the requirements by: 3.1.1. having approved seagoing service as shipboard personnel for a period of at least six months in total during the preceding three years; 3.1.2. having performed security functions considered to be equivalent of the above seagoing service; 3.1.3. passing an approved test; or 3.1.4. successfully completing approved training. 3.2. Seafarers who meet the seagoing service requirements in 3.1.1 may be issued with a declaration by their employer verifying that the seafarer meets the transition provisions provided by Sections A-VI/6.5 and AVI/6.9 of the STCW Code. 3.3 From 01 January 2014, seafarers who do not meet the transitional provisions above will need to hold a Certificate of Competency.

4. Delay in approval of security awareness training course or training course for seafarers with designated security duties by some Member Parties of the STCW Convention In some countries final approval of security awareness training course or training course for seafarers with designated security duties may have not yet been completed. Taking the above into account, seafarers who have joined ships before 1st January 2014, who will be serving on board after 1st January 2014 and who cannot meet the requirements of transitional provisions, some Administrations (such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines) may accept documentary evidence of attendance at any security awareness course or course for seafarers with designated security duties which covers the subject material in STCW Table A-VI/6-1 or in STCW Table A-VI/6-2 even though the course may not yet be approved by the Administration in the country of origin. On completion of their contracts these seafarers should complete the approved training before engaging another contract. However above arrangements should be confirmed by the Administration.

5. Ship Security Officer (SSO) Certificate of Proficiency Any seafarer in possession of a Ship Security Officer (SSO) Certificate of Proficiency as per STCW VI/5 is not required to undertake Security Awareness Training for seafarers or Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties since as per IMO model course 3.19, the SSO training covers both of these levels. 6. Recognising certificates issued by other administrations The Administration may recognise Certificates of Proficiency issued for security awareness training or Certificates of Proficiency for seafarers with designated security duties that have been issued by another Administration member of STCW White List in accordance with the STCW Convention. Same should be verified by the Administration. Thank you for your kind attention. Best Regards, P. Klavdianos Head of Marine Management Systems Certification Division
This a computerized message, therefore is not signed

ISPS Circular No.: ISPS 01/2014 Issue date: 31 January 2014

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