Ship Security Officer

Code sso · STCW A-VI/5

Ship Security Officer under STCW A-VI/5 — appointed in writing by the Company under ISPS A/12 and accountable to the Master for ship security. Maintains the Ship Security Plan (SSP), conducts security drills and exercises, audits security at the three security levels, liaises with the CSO and the PFSO. No formal refresher required, but companies typically renew with the SSP.

Prerequisites: —
Duration: 16 hours
Validity: 5 years
Refresher: —
Typical cost: ~$200 USD

Where to take this course

Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:

Related glossary terms

High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.

Ship Security Officer: FAQ

What is the Ship Security Officer (SSO) certification?: Ship Security Officer under STCW A-VI/5 — appointed in writing by the Company under ISPS A/12 and accountable to the Master for ship security. Maintains the Ship Security Plan (SSP), conducts security drills and exercises, audits security at the three security levels, liaises with the CSO and the PFSO. No formal refresher required, but companies typically renew with the SSP. Referenced in STCW table A-VI/5. Category: STCW Security.
Who needs SSO?: SSO applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/5. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without SSO, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
How long does SSO take?: Typical course duration is 16 hours (2 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
How much does SSO cost?: Typical cost is around US$200 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
Where can I get SSO?: SSO is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
How long is SSO valid?: 5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.

Found an error on this page? Report it →

Ship Security Officer: FAQ

What is the Ship Security Officer (SSO) certification?

Who needs SSO?

SSO applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/5. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without SSO, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.

How long does SSO take?

Typical course duration is 16 hours (2 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.

How much does SSO cost?

Typical cost is around US$200 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.

Where can I get SSO?

SSO is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.

How long is SSO valid?

5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.