Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Course Code: HS-TP-TC-SSO-01
Delivery: Live Virtual / Online Instructor-Led
Duration: 21 Hours
Tuition: Coming Soon
Registration: Coming Soon
Status: Under Review by Transport Canada for Approval

Course Introduction

The Ship Security Officer (SSO) Training Course is designed to prepare eligible seafarers to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Ship Security Officer onboard a vessel.

The course develops the knowledge and competencies required to implement and maintain the Ship Security Plan (SSP), support Ship Security Assessments, manage shipboard security activities, recognize and respond to security threats, conduct security drills, maintain security records, and coordinate with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). 

The program has been developed in alignment with applicable Transport Canada requirements, IMO Model Course 3.19, SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code, the Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA), and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR). 

Note: This is a live, instructor-led virtual course. It is not self-paced. Participants are required to attend scheduled online sessions and actively participate in instruction, discussions, exercises, and assessments.

Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for eligible seafarers who are designated, or preparing to be designated, as a Ship Security Officer (SSO).

It is particularly relevant to deck and engineering officers and other qualified seafarers who may be responsible for:

• Implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan
• Shipboard security operations and monitoring
• Access control and restricted areas
• Security inspections and patrols
• Security drills and exercises
• Responding to security threats and incidents
• Security reporting and documentation
• Coordination with the CSO and PFSO

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Participants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Hold a valid Seafarer’s Medical Fitness Certificate
• Hold a valid Basic Safety Training Certificate of Proficiency
• Hold an appropriate seafarer certificate relevant to their rank or duties
• Have basic knowledge of ship operations and maritime security
• Have sufficient English proficiency to participate fully in training and assessments
• Meet all other applicable Transport Canada and ISPS Code requirements

Sea Service

The applicant seeking the Canadian Ship Security Officer Certificate of Proficiency must have at least 12 months of qualifying sea service under the current Marine Transportation Security Regulations. 

What You Will Learn

The course covers:

• SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
• Canadian maritime security requirements
• Roles of the SSO, CSO, and PFSO
• Ship Security Assessment (SSA)
• Ship Security Plan (SSP)
• Security Levels 1, 2, and 3
• Access control and restricted areas
• Security patrols and searches
• Cargo, stores, and visitor security
• Shipboard security equipment
• Threat recognition and incident response
• Piracy, terrorism, criminal activity, and cybersecurity
• Security drills and exercises
• Declaration of Security (DoS)
• Security reporting, records, and documentation for the ship security officer. 

System Requirements

Because the course is delivered live online, participants must have:

• A desktop computer, laptop, or suitable tablet
• A reliable high-speed internet connection
• A working camera/webcam and microphone
• Speakers or headphones
• A modern web browser
• Ability to access the designated virtual classroom platform
• A quiet environment suitable for live instruction and assessment
• Valid government-issued identification available for identity verification

Note: Attendance at scheduled live sessions is required. The course cannot be completed on a self-paced basis.

Assessment

Participants will complete written and scenario-based assessments covering both theoretical knowledge and practical application of SSO responsibilities.

The current program specifies a minimum passing score of 70%, subject to final Transport Canada requirements. 

Certification

Following approval of HS-TP-TC-SSO-01 and recognition of HS Academy & Services Inc. as a Transport Canada Recognized Institution (RI), HS Maritime Academy will deliver the course and issue the applicable course certification under its Transport Canada approval and authorization, in accordance with the certification procedures established by Transport Canada.

For inquiries: info@hsacademyservices.com