Choosing your training provider for Company Security Officer Courses

Posted by Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants on March 11th, 2016

The position of Company Security Officer (CSO) is well respected within an organisation. He, or she, shoulders the significant responsibility of ensuring security throughout the company’s fleet. Identification and assessment of ship security, ensuring smooth communication between crew and company personnel and conducting audits are some of the basic responsibilities that a Company Security Officer will need to carry out regularly. Performing these tasks as per international regulations and codes requires certification and training. Sometimes, a person may be promoted to the position and expected to complete the relevant certification course within a stipulated time, often at company expense. 

Certification as a Company Security Officer can create numerous opportunities for career growth. Aside from being a CSO, certified individuals can take on various positions such as Quality Managers, Operation Manager, Internal Auditor, Master or Ship Security Officer among many others. Some of these positions may require additional certification or training. Such people are highly prized in various maritime organisations such as maritime administrations, maritime agencies, ship chartering companies, insurance companies, security companies, and port authorities. 

A number of maritime training Training Providers and institutes offer certification and training for getting certified as a Company Security Officer. Courses offered by these institutions vary in scope and topics that are covered. People who wish to undertake the course need to consider various facets of the programme and how they can best benefit from it. 

Aside from the development and implementation of ship security plans, the best Training Providers engage the participants to learn about the identification of threats and vulnerabilities and assessing these security risks appropriately for smooth maintenance and supervision of the security plans. Candidates are taught methods for inspection and monitoring of on-board security measures, in addition to understanding the operation of security systems and their testing and calibration. Candidates also learn to conduct and review internal audits and activities related to security. 

Reputed Training Providers combine the theory and video lectures with practical and real world case studies and exercise that help a candidate gauge their understanding and ability to implement the knowledge gained. Participants are being trained to perform critical duties in a high-pressure environment and such a hands-on approach ensures that they gain the most benefit from the programme. 

Ideally, the course or programme offered should be acceptable by all flag states and maritime administrations and agencies. However, exceptions do exist. Even a course that complies with all the regulations may not be accepted by some agencies or administrations. It is best to pick a course that has the widest acceptance as there are obvious opportunities for international employment in this field. 

About the Author:

This article is written by Richard Hussey, who is associated with Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants. Maritime & Underwater Security Consultantsis a leading provider of maritime security training. They provide UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited training programmes in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.