Department Announces New Policy On Security Awareness Training

The Department of Merchant Shipping has announced a new policy on security awareness training or security training for seafarers with designated security duties under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (as amended).

In accordance with Regulation VI/6 of the convention, seafarers holding a valid ship security officer certificate of proficiency issued in accordance with Regulation VI/5 are not required to undergo training in accordance with Regulation VI/6.

The department will accept certificates of proficiency issued in accordance with Regulation VI/6 by or on behalf of a country confirmed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates that full and complete effect has been given to the relevant provisions of the convention (ie, the IMO 'white list').