USCG-Approved Vessel Personnel with Security Duties Course
Keep your ship and your passengers safe. Enroll today in Sea School’s eight (8) hours Vessel Personnel with Security Duties (VPDSD) course and learn shipboard security responsibility, planning, threat mitigation, and ISPS Code awareness requirements. It is important to note that this course does NOT provide hands-on security response training.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Sea School’s Vessel Personnel with Security Duties (VPDSD)
The course is an eight (8) hour course designed to equip shipboard personnel with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their assigned security responsibilities. This training is crucial for maintaining a secure maritime environment and complies with international regulations like the STCW Code and the ISPS Code.
Key topics typically include understanding current security threats and patterns, recognizing dangerous substances and devices, controlling access to the vessel, and knowing emergency procedures and contingency plans.
Vessel Personnel With Security Duties Course Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) (SEASCH-747) course will satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.625(a)(1) and STCW Table A-VI/6-2 for an STCW endorsement as Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- Course Overview
- Maritime Security Threats
- Vessel and Port Operations
- Course Overview
- Maritime Security Threats
- Vessel and Port Operations
- Relevant International Conventions, Codes, and Recommendations
- Relevant Government Legislation and Regulations
- Definitions
- Handling Sensitive Security-Related Information & Communications
- Relevant International Conventions, Codes, and Recommendations
- Relevant Government Legislation and Regulations
- Definitions
- Handling Sensitive Security-Related Information & Communications
- Operational Limitations of Security Equipment Systems
- Operational Limitations of Security Equipment Systems
- Dangerous Substances & Devices
- Dangerous/Deadly Weapons
- Methods of Physical Searches & Non-Intrusive Inspections
- Execution & Coordination of Searches
- Identify and Prevent Security Threats
- Techniques Used to Bypass Security Measures
- Crowd Management & Control Techniques
- Dangerous Substances & Devices
- Dangerous/Deadly Weapons
- Methods of Physical Searches & Non-Intrusive Inspections
- Execution & Coordination of Searches
- Identify and Prevent Security Threats
- Techniques Used to Bypass Security Measures
- Crowd Management & Control Techniques
- The Purpose of the Vessel Security Plan
- MARSEC Level Coordination & Implementation
- Declaration of Security “DoS”
- Implementing Security Procedures
- Procedures when Implementing the Vessel Security Plan
- The Purpose of the Vessel Security Plan
- MARSEC Level Coordination & Implementation
- Declaration of Security “DoS”
- Implementing Security Procedures
- Procedures when Implementing the Vessel Security Plan
Effective Security Measures & Contingency Plans
Effective Security Measures & Contingency Plans
- Documentation & Records
- Documentation & Records
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
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What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring a pencil, highlighter, and notepad for note taking
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Vessel Personel course
A Vessel Personnel with Security Duties (VPDSD_ course is designed to educate mariners on how to detect, mitigate, and respond to potential security threats. The Sea School VPDSD course focuses on classroom lecture and discussion but does not do any hands-on response training.
The VPDSD course is intended to provide the knowledge required for all personnel who are not assigned specific duties in connection with a security plan but are involved in the work of ports, facilities, and vessels and are therefore subject to the security awareness training requirements of the ISPS Code of the US Code of Federal Regulations (33 CFR 104.225)
Contact the maritime training school you are interested in to learn more about their Vessel Personnel with Security Duties courses. The Sea School’s course does NOT have students participate in any hands-on training.
The Sea School offers Vessel Personnel with Security Duties courses at several of our brick and mortar locations. You can register here for a course that works best with your schedule. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab. Upon completion of the course, mariners receive a Course Completion Certificate that they must submit alongside a USCG application for official certification. It is important to note that a Course Completion Certification is NOT a substitute for the official USCG STCW credential.
The VPDSD endorsement is tied to a Merchant Mariner Credential. While there is no specific refresher course required to renew your VPDSD endorsement, it is important to remember to keep your Merchant Mariner Credential up-to-date.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
