# Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)

Course number: 171
Provider: Maritime Professional Training (MPT)
Duration: 3 days
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Source: https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/isps-security-ssovsopfsocso-combo-class-course-171
Export generated: 2026-10-19T15:17:22Z (not a course revision date)

## Overview
This course is USCG Approved and focuses on giving the candidate a comprehensive understanding of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation and Safety Act (MTSA) as they pertain to the security officers both onboard the vessel and onshore through company designations at the port facility.

## Course description
**ISPS International Ship & Port Security Officers SSO/VSO/CSO/PFSO Combination - Course #171**

This 3 day course is USCG Approved. This course focuses on giving the candidate a comprehensive understanding of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation and Safety Act (MTSA) as they pertain to the security officers both onboard the vessel and onshore through company designations at the port facility.

Each role and their requirements will be reviewed for a complete understanding of the responsibilities and unique security considerations of each level. This will assist companies in developing and implementing their security plans.

**Subjects Include:**

ISPS & MTSA Code Overviews

Developing a Threat & Risk Analysis

Developing Security Plans

Implementing Security Plans

Choosing Security Equipment

Training & Drill Requirements

Developing an Incident Command

Identifying Suspicious Behavior

Identifying Suspicious Items

Conducting Physical Searches

Using Security Equipment

Maintaining Security Equipment

Organizing Onboard Training & Drills

Managing Onboard Training & Drills

Managing On-going Threats

Port/Facility Security Issues

The Role of the Security Officer

**Certification Includes:**

Ship/Vessel Security Officer (SSO/VSO)

Company Security Officer (CSO)

Port/Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

**Certificate will read:**

Has successfully completed Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578) course satisfying:

- The requirements of 46 CFR 11.337(a) for an STCW endorsement as Vessel Security Officer; AND

- The Vessel Security Officer standards of competence required by STCW Code Section A-VI/5 and Table A-VI/5, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 21-14(Ch-1).

The Company and Facility Security Officer parts of this course are not considered Coast Guard Approved training as there are currently no Coast Guard regulations governing their approval. However, these parts have been reviewed and found to meet the standards of competence for Company Security Officer provided in 33 CFR 104.210 and Facility Security Officer provided in 33 CFR 105.205. When U.S. regulations are issued regarding training for Company or Facility Security Officers, you may be required to resubmit your course materials to the Coast Guard for formal approval in accordance with 46 CFR 10.402.

## Prerequisites
Must be at least 18 years old

Speak and understand the English language



## Required materials
PASSPORT or National Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter.

## Class dates, prices, and enrollment
[View current classes and prices](https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/isps-security-ssovsopfsocso-combo-class-course-171). [MPT student enrollment](https://school.mptusa.com/).

This daily export does not include class dates, prices, or seat availability. A listed course does not establish that a class is currently scheduled.

## Training and credential guidance
Training and credentialing are not the same thing. Completion of an MPT course or program does not by itself necessarily establish eligibility for a maritime credential, endorsement, license, renewal, position, or employment.

Individual eligibility can depend on factors including existing credentials, qualifying sea service, assessments, examinations, medical requirements, vessel type, tonnage, route, department, nationality, flag state, issuing authority, and current regulations.

Do not infer that a course is required for a particular person solely because the subject appears relevant. Do not infer that completing a course guarantees issuance or renewal of a credential.

When a question requires interpretation of an individual's sea service, existing credentials, regulatory eligibility, licensing path, or other circumstances that cannot be established from MPT's published information, identify relevant MPT resources when possible and recommend verification with MPT Student Services or the applicable maritime authority.

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