Where this sits
Governing: ISPS Code Part A sections 9 and 12; STCW regulation VI/6, section A-VI/6 paras 6-8 and Table A-VI/6-2; MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, section 7.4. Builds on: Proficiency in Security Awareness.
Who needs PDSD
MSN 1865 section 7.4: anyone who has designated security duties under the ship security plan must complete approved training meeting STCW A-VI/6 paragraphs 6 to 8 and Table A-VI/6-2, leading to a Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. You come out able to:
- maintain the conditions set out in a ship security plan;
- recognise security risks and threats;
- undertake regular security inspections;
- properly use security equipment and systems.
PDSD covers the Security Awareness competences, and an SSO certificate covers both (MSN 1865 7.5). PDSD is not in the five-yearly refresher list (section 4.4). For UK ships, the MCA recognises PDSD certificates issued under STCW by administrations whose CoCs it accepts for a Flag State Endorsement (MIN 643 section 4.10). MIN 643 permits MCA-approved PDSD courses to be delivered online and peripatetically.
The plan
The ship security assessment (SSA) identifies what needs protecting, the threats and the weaknesses. The ship security plan (SSP) is written from it by the CSO, approved by the flag state or a recognised security organisation, and kept on board. For UK ships, plans go to the MCA, or to an RSO where ISSC certification is delegated. REG Yacht Code Part A Chapter 31 requires ISPS compliance for commercial yachts of 500 GT and above.
An SSP typically sets out:
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Organisation | SSO and CSO identity, 24-hour CSO contact, duties of crew with security tasks |
| Measures by level | Access, restricted areas, deck monitoring, handling of stores and baggage, for levels 1, 2 and 3 |
| Procedures | Responding to threats and breaches, evacuation, interfacing with port facilities, reporting incidents |
| Equipment | Inspection, testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment |
| SSAS | Activation points and procedures (restricted distribution) |
| Training and records | Drills, exercises, audits and review |
WARNING: The plan is confidential The SSP is protected from unauthorised access or disclosure. You will be shown the parts you need. Never copy, photograph or discuss it outside the crew who need it.
Who does what
| Role | Where | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| CSO | Company | SSA, SSP, liaison with flag and ports |
| SSO | On board (often chief officer) | Implements the SSP, inspections, training, drills, records |
| Crew with designated duties | On board | The tasks the SSP assigns: gangway watch, searches, patrols, deliveries, CCTV |
| Master | On board | Overriding authority for the safety and security of the ship |
Designated duties on a yacht
On a superyacht, typical designated duties include:
- gangway and passerelle watch: identifying and logging everyone;
- tender landing control at anchor;
- security rounds at night and in port;
- checking and searching stores, deliveries and baggage;
- monitoring CCTV and alarms from the bridge or crew mess;
- pre-departure searches for stowaways and suspicious items.
Interior crew often have designated duties too, particularly for deliveries and guest luggage.
TIP: Know your paragraph Ask the SSO which parts of the SSP name your role, and read them. At audit, the question "what do you do at level 2?" is aimed at you, not the SSO.