By Yair Arad · Updated October 20, 2026
The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is the crew member responsible for security on a ship under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. To hold the role you need a certificate under the STCW Convention, which usually means an approved course plus sea service. This guide explains what the course covers, who needs it, what it can cost, and what it does not do for your career.
Check before you rely on this. Course rules, approvals and prices differ by country and flag state and change often. Confirm with your flag state or maritime authority, and with the provider, before you book or pay for anything.
Review status. Written from public sources. It has not been reviewed by a maritime training professional or lawyer. It is not legal, training or career advice.
About the author’s background. I have not held an SSO certificate. I served in the Navy from 1994 to 1997 on smaller reconnaissance ships, mostly on brown-water work close to shore. This guide is built from the sources listed, not from my own experience.
Quick answer
- What is it? The training that leads to a Ship Security Officer certificate under STCW regulation VI/5.
- Is it the same as armed guard training? No. An SSO is a ship’s crew officer for security duties. It is not a private armed security role.
- What do you need first? In the UK rules, 12 months of approved sea service, or 3 months where your main duties are security-related. Check your own flag state.
- What does it cost? One UK provider lists a 3-day course at £630 including VAT. Other providers and countries differ.
What an SSO does
The ISPS Code asks for security officers to be designated on each ship, port facility and shipping company, according to the IMO. The IMO describes these officers as responsible for evaluating security risks and for creating and carrying out security plans to deal with threats. The exact duties of a ship’s SSO are set out in the Code and the ship’s own security plan, so read those for detail.
What the course covers
STCW section A-VI/5 sets the standard of competence for SSO certification. The related STCW courses are separate: A-VI/6-1 covers security awareness for all seafarers (called PSA in UK guidance), and A-VI/6-2 covers security duties for designated seafarers (PDSD). UK guidance describes SSO training as covering both of those. Read the UK notice itself for the exact wording.
Who needs it and what you need first
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) notice MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1 sets UK requirements. For the SSO certificate it asks for an MCA-approved SSO course and either 12 months of approved sea service, or 3 months of appropriate security-related service where the main duties are security. Other flag states set their own rules. If you do not serve on a ship, you cannot hold the role.
So a person with no sea service cannot go straight to an SSO certificate. For a shore-based route, see our guide on how to become a maritime security contractor.
What it costs
One published example: STCW Direct lists the SSO course at Maritime Skills Academy in Dover as 3 days for £630 including VAT. The listing page does not state whether the course is MCA-approved, so do not assume it is. Ask the provider and check with the MCA. This is one provider’s listed price on one date and not a market average. Costs of travel, accommodation, medical certificate and lost pay are extra.
What the certificate does not do
It does not license you to carry a weapon, and it does not make you a private armed security guard. Armed team work on ships is a separate matter, covered in our guide Do Cargo Ships Have Armed Guards?. The certificate does not guarantee a job.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Ship Security Officer? The crew member designated for ship security under the ISPS Code, which asks for a designated security officer on each ship, port facility and shipping company.
Is the SSO course the same as an armed guard course? No.
How long is the SSO course? One UK provider lists 3 days. Providers differ.
How much does an SSO course cost? One UK provider lists £630 including VAT. Other providers and countries differ.
Do I need sea service first? Under the UK notice, yes: 12 months of approved sea service, or 3 months of security-related service where main duties are security.
Sources
- IMO: SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code
- UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency: MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, maritime security training and certification
- STCW Direct: Ship Security Officer course, Dover (provider listing)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Prices and approvals change; confirm with the provider.
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