Enforced from 1st January 2014
The deadline is fast approaching for all seafarers to be compliant with the new mandatory security certification requirement as set out in the Manila Amendments and consequently, all seafarers should now be putting plans in place to attend the required training to ensure they are compliant to work onboard the vessel to which they are appointed.
Depending on the duties of the seafarer onboard, he/she will need to attend one of the following courses:
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties – New Certification required
All seafarers with designated security duties within the ship security plan will be required to hold a certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) and will need to take an approved course approximately 10 hours in length.
Proficiency in Security Awareness – New Certification required
All seafarers who do not have designated security duties on board are required to hold a Proficiency in Security Awareness Certificate (PSA) and will need to take an approved course approximately 4 hours in length.
Specifically these new requirements are for all personnel engaged or employed in any capacity on board a vessel to which the ISPS code applies. This includes Master, deck & engine, hotel & restaurant staff, housekeeping, health & spa, interior staff, entertainers, hairdressers, stewards, hair stylists, fitness instructors, pursers etc.
"When the ISPS code was first introduced, many were caught out and were not compliant on time. Port State Control will be enforcing this new certification, and it is therefore crucial that individuals and companies alike ensure that the correct mandatory security certification is in place by the deadline of 1st January 2014" says Angela Farrell, General Manager at IMSA Ltd
IMSA Ltd is a specialist Maritime Security Company based in Poole, UK and their trainers are delivering the new MCA approved PDSD and PSA courses worldwide.
"We have a training facility in Poole where seafarers can complete their training in the UK but we also looked at how best to provide this training to our clients and it became very apparent that they needed the flexibility of their seafarers being able to complete the training on-board or at their chosen location” says Nick Williams, Chief Training Officer
"It can become costly both financially and in time away from the vessel if seafarers have to travel for their training. That is why we offer clients the option of our trainers visiting the vessel and training the seafarers in groups in their own environment. This means that all seafarers receive consistent training and this can be further enhanced by conducting security exercises on-board making the learning experience more realistic to their operating environment" explains Angela
"We would urge individuals and companies to contact us sooner rather than later to discuss their particular requirements as the deadline for enforcement is a matter of weeks away. We want to avoid a situation where a seafarer is not able to join a vessel because he does not have the correct certification in place" says Angela.
For more information regarding this new mandatory security training, please contact IMSA Ltd:
+44 (0)1202 649 874, email [email protected] or visit the website: www.imsaltd.com/training
