In-Person
Zoom Course
Self-Paced

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.

Course Details
Course Duration: 8 Hours
Course Schedule: 1 Day
USCG-Approved Certificate
Large vessel in the water
All Available Dates
All Locations
St. Petersburg
14
St. Petersburg
14
St. Petersburg
14
St. Petersburg
14
St. Petersburg
14
Bayou la Batre
22
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
3
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
22
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
3
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
3
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
3
Bayou la Batre
22
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Bayou la Batre
21
Bayou la Batre
17
Bayou la Batre
14
Bayou la Batre
4
Bayou la Batre
1
Fort Lauderdale
1
Fort Lauderdale
13
Bayou la Batre
62
Bayou la Batre
11
Bayou la Batre
56
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
19
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
7
Bayou la Batre
16
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
19
Bayou la Batre
16
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
7
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
62
Bayou la Batre
11
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
16
Bayou la Batre
19
Bayou la Batre
56
Bayou la Batre
13
Bayou la Batre
62
Bayou la Batre
11
Bayou la Batre
9
Bayou la Batre
16
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
8
Bayou la Batre
65
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
65
Bayou la Batre
8
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
8
Bayou la Batre
65
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
8
Bayou la Batre
65
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
65
Bayou la Batre
8
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
23
Bayou la Batre
65
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Filters

All Locations
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Main
Clear Filters
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
From -
9/9/2025
To -
9/9/2025
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5326
From -
9/13/2025
To -
9/13/2025
Jacksonville
,
FL
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5002
From -
9/22/2025
To -
9/22/2025
Jacksonville
,
FL
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5726
From -
9/27/2025
To -
9/27/2025
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5298
From -
10/11/2025
To -
10/11/2025
Jacksonville
,
FL
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5009
From -
11/1/2025
To -
11/1/2025
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5299
From -
11/8/2025
To -
11/8/2025
Jacksonville
,
FL
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5127
From -
11/11/2025
To -
11/11/2025
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5327
From -
11/22/2025
To -
11/22/2025
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5300
From -
12/13/2025
To -
12/13/2025
Jacksonville
,
FL
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5023
From -
12/20/2025
To -
12/20/2025
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5301
From -
1/6/2026
To -
1/6/2026
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5762
From -
1/17/2026
To -
1/17/2026
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5705
From -
2/3/2026
To -
2/3/2026
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5769
From -
2/21/2026
To -
2/21/2026
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5707
From -
3/21/2026
To -
3/21/2026
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5709
From -
3/30/2026
To -
3/30/2026
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5778
From -
4/27/2026
To -
4/27/2026
Bayou la Batre
,
AL
350
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5782
From -
5/2/2026
To -
5/2/2026
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5711
From -
6/20/2026
To -
6/20/2026
Charleston
,
SC
250
View details
Enroll Now
Enroll Now
vessel-personnel-with-security-duties-5714
Course Overview
01

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.

Course Data

Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace

Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.

course type
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 1 Day
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
Course Data

Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle

Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.

course type
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 1 Day
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate

This Course Has Other Options for Learning

who is it for?

The Right Course for Every Seafarer

A male on a boat
No items found.
key metrics

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.

7500
+
Fully educated students per year
30
+
Different courses to choose from
45
+
Years of proven experience
Trusted by Companies Nationwide
Ergon logo
Chicago Dry Dock Logo
Central Marine Logistics Logo
Crescent Towing logo
Dawn service logo
Central boat rentals logo
B logo
Martin marine logo
Ergon logo
Chicago Dry Dock Logo
Central Marine Logistics Logo
Crescent Towing logo
Dawn service logo
Central boat rentals logo
B logo
Martin marine logo
COURSE CURRICULUM

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.

Introduction
  • Course Overview
  • Maritime Security Threats
  • Vessel and Port Operations
Introduction
  • Course Overview
  • Maritime Security Threats
  • Vessel and Port Operations
Maritime Security Policies
  • Relevant International Conventions, Codes, and Recommendations
  • Relevant Government Legislation and Regulations
  • Definitions
  • Handling Sensitive Security-Related Information & Communications
Maritime Security Policies
  • Relevant International Conventions, Codes, and Recommendations
  • Relevant Government Legislation and Regulations
  • Definitions
  • Handling Sensitive Security-Related Information & Communications
Security Responsibilities
Security Responsibilities
Vessel Security Assessment (VSA/SSA)
Vessel Security Assessment (VSA/SSA)
Security Equipment
  • Operational Limitations of Security Equipment Systems
Security Equipment
  • Operational Limitations of Security Equipment Systems
Threat Identification, Recognition & Response
  • 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
Threat Identification, Recognition & Response
  • 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
Vessel Security Actions
  • 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
Vessel Security Actions
  • 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
Emergency Preparedness, Drills & Exercises

Effective Security Measures & Contingency Plans

Emergency Preparedness, Drills & Exercises

Effective Security Measures & Contingency Plans

Security Administration
  • Documentation & Records
Security Administration
  • Documentation & Records
our team

The Instructors Behind the Course

view all Instructors
view all Instructors
No items found.
Our Process
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Captain:

A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career

01

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).

02

Enroll & Prepare

Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.

03

Get Certified

After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Large boat cruising the water
Career opportunities

Advance your Maritime Career

No items found.
Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

No items found.
Course comparison

Course Comparison

features
OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master License
Passenger Limit
Up to 6 passengers
More than 6 passengers
Vessel Type
Uninspected vessels only
Inspected & Uninspected vessels
Area of Operation
U.S. Waters
U.S. & International Waters
Sea Service Requirement
360 days (90 in last 3 years)
720+ days (varies by tonnage)
Required for
Fishing guides, small boat charters
Ferries, tour boats, larger charters
Course requirements

Check All Drug Testing Requirements on Our Website!

View Website
View Website
Sea School course photo with people

frequently asked questions

All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Vessel Personel course

What is a Vessel Personnel with Security Duties 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.

Who is required to take Vessel Personnel with Security Duties courses?

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)

Will I get hands-on training in a Vessel Personnel with Security Duties course?

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.

Where can I take VPDSD courses?

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.

How long are Vessel Personnel with Security Duties certificates valid for?

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.

It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!

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.

A boat in the water, cruising