Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (PDSD / VPWSR)

Course Code: HS-TP-TC-PDSD-01
Delivery: Live Virtual / Instructor-Led + LMS Support
Duration: 11 Hours
Class Size: Maximum 20 Participants
Minimum Age: 18
Tuition: Coming Soon
Status: Under Review by Transport Canada 

Course Overview

The Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (PDSD / VPWSR) Training Course is designed for shipboard personnel who have been assigned specific security duties in support of a vessel’s Ship Security Plan.

The program prepares participants to perform designated security responsibilities, recognize and respond to maritime security threats, control access to restricted areas, carry out security monitoring and inspections, support emergency and contingency procedures, and properly use shipboard security equipment.

The course has been developed to meet the competency requirements of STCW Section A-VI/6 and is aligned with applicable Canadian maritime security legislation, including the Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR).     

Coming Soon — HS-TP-TC-PDSD-01 is currently under review by Transport Canada for approval.

This course is intended for ship personnel assigned designated security responsibilities, other than the Ship Security Officer.

It is suitable for crew members whose duties may include:

• Access control and monitoring
• Restricted-area security
• Deck and surrounding-area monitoring
• Cargo and ship stores security
• Embarkation and disembarkation control
• Security inspections and searches
• Security reporting
• Supporting security drills and emergency procedures

Your training program specifically identifies seafarers with designated security duties as crew members, other than the SSO, who perform security responsibilities in support of the Ship Security Plan.   

Participants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, or meet any applicable age requirement under the Marine Personnel Regulations
• Hold a valid Seafarer’s Medical Fitness Certificate
• Meet any prerequisite training requirements established by Transport Canada for the related Certificate of Proficiency, where applicable  

Training covers the principal competencies required for personnel with designated security duties, including:

• Maritime security terminology and policies
• SOLAS and ISPS security requirements
• Roles of the SSO, CSO, PFSO and other security personnel
• Security Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Piracy and armed robbery
• Terrorism, smuggling, stowaways and cargo theft
• Cybersecurity threats
• Security incident reporting
• Security drills and exercises
• Ship security inspections
• Security contingency plans
• Declaration of Security (DoS)
• Recognition of suspicious behaviour and potential threats
• Weapons, dangerous substances and devices
• Crowd management
• Security-sensitive information and communications
• Physical searches and non-intrusive inspections
• Access control and restricted areas
• Cargo and ship stores security
• Security equipment and systems
• Testing, calibration and maintenance of security equipment     

11 Hours

The program consists of:

9 Hours — Training & Instruction
2 Hours — Assessment

Maximum daily contact time is 8 hours.     

The course is delivered through a live virtual classroom with LMS support.

Participants attend scheduled instructor-led online sessions and use the LMS for supporting course activities and learning resources. This is not a standalone self-paced course.

Live attendance is monitored through LMS records and roll calls, and participant identity is verified during training and assessment.     

Participants should have:

• Desktop computer, laptop or suitable tablet
• Stable high-speed internet connection
• Working webcam
• Microphone and speakers/headphones
• Access to the designated LMS and virtual classroom
• Valid photo identification for identity verification

The participant’s webcam must remain available for identity verification and monitored assessments.     

Participants must successfully complete the required course assessment.

The current program specifies:

Overall Pass Mark: 60%
Final Examination: Minimum 60%
Attendance: Minimum 90%

The final examination accounts for at least 50% of the overall course grade. Online examinations are monitored and may use randomized questions and defined time limits.  

 Once HS Maritime Academy is approved as a Transport Canada Recognized Institution (RI), participants who successfully complete the course and meet all applicable Transport Canada requirements will receive the relevant Transport Canada Certificate of Proficiency issued by HS Maritime Academy under its RI authorization.

Certification will be subject to successful completion of the course, required assessments, and verification of all applicable Transport Canada eligibility requirements.

For inquiries:
info@hsacademyservices.com