Did You Know?

Hijackings of ships in the Somalia’s coast region caused havoc for international shipping from about 2001 to 2012, peaking with 176 attacks in 2011. They declined in part because of actions by the European Union’s anti-piracy mission.

All ships today must have a vessel security plan (VSP). Candidates who successfully complete the VPDSD course should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge to undertake the duties assigned under the VSP.

Candidate who successfully complete the Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) 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

Course Curriculum:

  • Security Threats and Patterns
  • Weapons, Dangerous Substances and Devices
  • Characteristics and Behavioral Patterns of Persons who can Cause Security Threats
  • Techniques used by People to Bypass Security
  • Crowd management and control
  • Security communication
  • Emergency Procedures and Contingency Plans
  • Operation of security equipment and systems
  • Testing, Calibration, and Maintenance of Security Equipment and Systems
  • Inspection, Control, and Monitoring Techniques
  • Physical Searches
  • Relevant Provisions of the Vessel Security Plan (VSP)
  • Meaning and the Consequential Requirement of the Different MARSEC Levels
  • TWIC Program and how to carry them out

The Benefits of Learn America’s Blended/Online Industry Recognized Credentials:

  • Flexible course enrollment

  • Interactive online program proctored by industry experts

  • Affordable and convenient with volume license discounts for corporate customers

  • USCG approved certificate of completion issued upon successful program completion