PSA Vs PDSD – Which Do You Need?

The security landscape for maritime professionals has undergone significant changes with the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), which came into effect on 1st July 2015. As part of these amendments, all seafarers are required to undergo specific training to maintain their security qualifications and ensure the safety and security of the vessels they serve on.

For yacht crew members, this translates into the need to complete either the Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) or the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course. But how do you determine which course is right for you? In this article, we’ll break down the difference between PSA and PDSD and help you understand which course is mandatory for you, based on your role on board.

The Legal Requirement

These security training requirements are part of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which aims to safeguard ships and port facilities from security threats. The amendments to the STCW made by the 2010 Manila Amendments established clear courses that need to be completed by all seafarers serving on ISPS-compliant vessels.

For yachts, this is relevant for any commercial vessel over 500 gross tonnes, which roughly translates to yachts that are 50 meters or longer.

Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)

The Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) course is a mandatory course for all crew members on vessels that are subject to the ISPS Code. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of maritime security threats and the responsibilities of each crew member in maintaining vessel security. The course focuses on:

Recognizing security threats
Understanding the security responsibilities of all crew members
Knowing how to report security threats
Understanding the vessel’s Ship Security Plan (SSP)
Promoting a security-conscious culture on board

The online PSA course is relatively short, typically taking just half a day, and is aimed at crew who do not have specific security duties but still need to be aware of potential security risks and their role in preventing incidents.

Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

For crew members who have designated security duties as outlined in the Ship’s Security Plan (SSP), the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course is the required certification. This course includes everything covered in the PSA but goes a step further by providing more in-depth training on specific security-related duties.

Crew members who take the PDSD course will learn about:

Security measures: How to implement security measures outlined in the SSP.
Detection and prevention: How to detect and prevent security threats or breaches.
Response to incidents: Procedures for responding to security incidents or threats.
Security equipment: Usage and maintenance of security equipment on board.
Security drills: How to conduct security drills for the crew.

Since the PDSD course includes all the material from the PSA course, it provides a broader range of skills and is designed for those who will have designated security responsibilities on board.

Which Course Should You Choose?

While both the PSA and PDSD courses are essential for maintaining compliance with the STCW and ISPS Code, the course you need depends on your role and responsibilities on board the vessel.

If you are a regular crew member without specific security duties, you are required to complete the Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) course. This will meet the legal requirements for basic security awareness training.
If you have designated security duties on board, such as those responsible for implementing and overseeing security procedures as outlined in the Ship’s Security Plan (SSP), the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course is the more appropriate course for you. This is particularly common for roles like security officers, deck officers, or senior crew members who play an active part in maintaining vessel security.

Why We Recommend PDSD

While both courses are essential for ensuring compliance with the STCW regulations, we strongly recommend going straight to the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course, particularly for those working on commercial yachts or vessels with significant security requirements.

The online PDSD course includes all of the material from PSA and offers more detailed and comprehensive training on security procedures, detection of threats, and security response. This is crucial for crew members with security-related duties, as it ensures they are fully equipped to handle any potential threats on board.

For yacht crew members, the PDSD course is often the most suitable choice, as many crew members are involved in some form of security-related duty, even if it’s not their primary responsibility. The 1-day online PDSD course is an efficient way to ensure you’re compliant with the regulations, while also gaining valuable security skills.

What Does the Course Involve?

The online PDSD course is typically completed over 1 day and covers:

Introduction to Maritime Security: Understanding the global and regional maritime security landscape.
Ship Security Plan (SSP): Overview of the SSP and its implementation.
Security Threats: Identification of different types of security threats.
Security Procedures: Training in specific security procedures, including response to threats.
Practical Security Drills: Hands-on drills to simulate security incidents.

At the end of the course, after successful completion of the assessment, participants will receive certification that verifies their competency in designated security duties, ensuring they meet the requirements of the STCW and ISPS Code.

Need More Information or Want to Enroll?

We understand that selecting the right course and training program can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to something as important as maritime security. If you’re not sure which course you need or if you’re ready to sign up for a PDSD course, please don’t hesitate to contact our training department for more information.

By understanding the differences between PSA and PDSD, you can ensure that your crew is not only compliant with maritime security regulations but also well-prepared to respond to any security threat that may arise on board.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to sign up for a course, feel free to reach out today