-Pending USCG Approval-
Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course

100% Online, United States Coast Guard and STCW Approved

Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course

This course is self-paced in an online format based on the 16 hour standard classroom IMO Model Course 3.26, Ship Security Officer.

Any mariner who successfully completes this course will satisfy the training requirements of 33 CFR 104.215(d)(iv) and STCW Code Section A-V1/5 endorsement as a Vessel Security Officer.

Job Description: Vessel Security Officer (VSO)
Vessel Security Officers are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the Ship Security Plan in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and STCW requirements. They coordinate with Company and Port Facility Security Officers, supervise crew with designated security duties, and ensure the vessel’s security systems, procedures, and drills are carried out effectively.

As a Vessel Security Officer, you will be responsible for:

Developing and Maintaining the Ship Security Plan

Creating, updating, and enforcing the vessel’s security framework.

Conducting Security Assessments and Inspections

Identifying vulnerabilities, verifying access control, and overseeing searches.

Managing Security Drills and Training

Organizing and evaluating onboard drills to maintain preparedness.

Supervising Security Personnel

Leading crew with designated security duties (VPDSD) to ensure compliance and readiness.

Coordinating with External Security Stakeholders

Serving as the liaison with Company Security Officers (CSOs) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs).

Responding to Security Incidents

Leading the response to threats such as piracy, terrorism, or stowaway situations.

Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course Topics

This course is required for mariners who will serve as the Designated Vessel Security Officer under STCW-compliant security plans.

ISPS Code Overview and Legal Framework

Duties and Responsibilities of the Vessel Security Officer

Security Administration and Recordkeeping

Threat Recognition and Risk Assessment

Ship Security Plans and Security Levels

Access Control, Restricted Areas, and Searches

Security Equipment and Maintenance

Communication Protocols with CSO and PFSO

Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures

Crowd Management and Human Factors in Security

Security Drills, Exercises, and Training Oversight

Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate suitable for submission to the U.S. Coast Guard to meet Vessel Security Officer training requirements.

Course Requirements

A smartphone, tablet or computer is required to work through the course.

The following is the minimum computer requirements for the final proctor exam:

Desktop or laptop computer (Mac, Windows, or Chromebook)
Windows 7 or newer / macOS 10.10 or newer
Minimum internet speed: 1 Mbps download & upload
Google Chrome (version 74 or higher)
Web camera and microphone (required for final exam)

Testing Requirements:

Final Exam: 20 multiple-choice questions
Passing Score: 70%
Attempts Allowed: 3
Exam Format: AI-proctored online via SmarterServices

Regulatory Details:

This course satisfies the requirements of:

33 CFR 104.215
STCW Code Table A-VI/5
IMO Model Course 3.19 Ship Security Officer

Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate suitable for submission to the U.S. Coast Guard to meet Vessel Security Officer training requirements.

Pricing

The Vessel Security Officer course is online, self-paced and based on the 16 hour IMO Model Course 3.19 Ship Security Officer.

Topics include:
ISPS Code Overview and Legal Framework, Duties and Responsibilities of the Vessel Security Officer, Security Administration and Recordkeeping, Threat Recognition and Risk Assessment, Ship Security Plans and Security Levels, Access Control, Restricted Areas, and Searches, Security Equipment and Maintenance, Communication Protocols with CSO and PFSO, Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures, Crowd Management and Human Factors in Security, Security Drills, Exercises, and Training Oversight

Course Material Included:

Online Student Work Book

Downloadable Reference material.

Quizzes, Videos and Learning Aids

Automated Proctored Final Exams

Practice Test and Example Questions

$500

Learn More

-Pending USCG Approval-
Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course

Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course

Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course Topics

Course Requirements

Course Requirements

A smartphone, tablet or computer is required to work through the course.

The following is the minimum computer requirements for the final proctor exam:

Testing Requirements:

Regulatory Details:

Deck Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Course Online | Coming 2025

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Course Requirements

Course Requirements

A smartphone, tablet or computer is required to work through the course.The following is the minimum computer requirements for the final proctor exam:

Testing Requirements:

Regulatory Details:

Follow Us

A smartphone, tablet or computer is required to work through the course.

The following is the minimum computer requirements for the final proctor exam: