Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Course 171

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.

Preparing for Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTP...

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

3 day class in Fort Lauderdale

  1. Class 24738
    14 Jul 2025 to 16 Jul 2025
  2. Class 25542
    25 Aug 2025 to 27 Aug 2025
  3. Class 25543
    22 Sep 2025 to 24 Sep 2025
  4. Class 25544
    20 Oct 2025 to 22 Oct 2025
  5. Class 25545
    17 Nov 2025 to 19 Nov 2025
  6. Class 25546
    15 Dec 2025 to 17 Dec 2025
  7. Class 25911
    05 Jan 2026 to 07 Jan 2026
  8. Class 25912
    02 Feb 2026 to 04 Feb 2026
  9. Class 25919
    02 Mar 2026 to 04 Mar 2026
  10. Class 25918
    01 Apr 2026 to 03 Apr 2026
  11. Class 25915
    27 Apr 2026 to 29 Apr 2026
  12. Class 25916
    27 May 2026 to 29 May 2026
Print this Course

Required Materials

PASSPORT or National Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter.

 

Testimonials

Keep doing a wonderful job!
Anthony, Monday January 2024
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
You all are amazing keep up the GREAT work!
Gregory, Wednesday March 2021
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
excellent, congratulations you have a great professor Jeff is wonderful teaching
Kurt, Friday August 2019
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Great instructor for the Vso class
Eric, Thursday May 2016
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Great class
Raymond, Thursday September 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Thanks for excellent instructor.
Sami Salman, Thursday May 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Everyone was a pleasure to work with !
Raymond, Monday April 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
I was very thankful for the extra effort the crew went through to obtain a space large enough to accommodate those of us on the waiting list. Capt. Andy Knows the material very well, and more importantly was able to engage the class and keep the material interesting.
Gordon, Thursday April 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Have been attending your facility for at least 15 years off and on. You have always kept it nice and have improved over the years Thanks again
Charles, Wednesday February 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
All my classes, since 1998 have been stellar and wonderful learning experiences. I do not know how to put it any other way. Thank you, Tom Matthes
Thomas, Wednesday February 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
You struck gold with Andy Scheer as an instructor.
Charles, Wednesday February 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Keep up the GREAT job!!
David, Thursday January 2014
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
just fine. Don't need to change anything
James, Tuesday December 2013
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
Keep up the good work!
Jose, Tuesday October 2013
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)
None, staff very friendly, very enjoyable experience.
Jason, Monday November 2012
Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (MARTPT-578)