The Company Security Officer (CSO) training course is designed in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements and follows the IMO Model Course 3.20, as outlined in IMO MSC/Circ.1154. This specialized program prepares designated personnel to assume responsibility for maritime security at the company level and to ensure full compliance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and associated international regulations.
The course provides comprehensive knowledge of maritime security principles, risk management, and regulatory frameworks governing ship and port security. Participants are trained in conducting Company Security Assessments (CSA), reviewing Ship Security Assessments (SSA), and developing, approving, and maintaining Ship Security Plans (SSP). Emphasis is placed on implementing appropriate protective measures to safeguard vessels against threats such as piracy, terrorism, sabotage, and unauthorized access.
In addition, the training covers coordination and communication with Ship Security Officers (SSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO), as well as liaison with flag administrations and relevant authorities. Candidates learn to plan and conduct internal audits, security inspections, drills, and exercises to verify the effectiveness of security systems and procedures. Proper documentation, record-keeping, reporting requirements, and incident response protocols are also thoroughly addressed.
The program combines theoretical instruction with practical case studies and scenario-based discussions to enhance real-world understanding. Upon successful completion, participants acquire the competence and confidence required to effectively manage, monitor, and continuously improve maritime security systems at the company level in full alignment with IMO standards.
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What will I learn?
- Maritime Security Policy
- Security responsibilities
- Overview of SOLAS Chapter XI-2
- ISPS Code structure and application
- Duties of the Company Security Officer (CSO)
- Relationship with Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- Coordination with Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
- Liaison with Flag State and relevant authorities
- Ship Security Plan and confidentiality
- Types of security threats (piracy, terrorism, sabotage, stowaways, smuggling)
- Recognition of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices
- Current security trends and case studies
- Company Security Assessment (CSA) and Ship Security Assessment (SSA) review and approval Risk assessment methodologies
- Identification of critical shipboard operations
- Development, approval, Implementation and maintenance of SSP
- Security Levels & Measures
- Emergency Preparedness, Drills and Exercices
- Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), Access control systems and Surveillance and monitoring equipment
- Documentation & Record Keeping
- Incident Handling & Response
- Technical and Security superintendents and managers of shipping companies
- 1. What is a Company Security Officer (CSO) course?
The CSO course trains designated shore-based personnel to manage and oversee maritime security for a shipping company in line with the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2. - 2. Who can take the Company Security Officer (CSO) course?
The course is suitable for technical and security superintendents, shipping company managers and other shore-based personnel responsible for maritime security. - 3. What is the duration of the CSO course?
The Elite Offshore Company Security Officer course has a training duration of 7 hours and is available through online, offline and client-site delivery. - 4. Is the CSO course based on the ISPS Code?
Yes. The course is conducted in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, with reference to IMO Model Course 3.20 and IMO MSC/Circ.1154. - 5. What does a Company Security Officer (CSO) do?
A CSO oversees company-level maritime security, including security assessments, Ship Security Plans, audits, inspections, drills, documentation and coordination with relevant authorities and shipboard security personnel. - 6. What will I learn in a CSO training course?
The training covers ISPS Code requirements, security risk assessment, Ship Security Plans (SSP), security levels, threats, SSAS, access control, emergency response, audits, documentation and incident handling. - 7. What is the difference between CSO and SSO?
The CSO is responsible for maritime security at the company or shore level, while the Ship Security Officer (SSO) handles security responsibilities onboard an individual ship. - 8. Does the CSO course cover Ship Security Plans (SSP)?
Yes. Candidates learn about the development, implementation, maintenance and review of Ship Security Plans, as well as Company Security Assessments and Ship Security Assessments. - 9. Can I take the Company Security Officer course online?
Yes. Elite Offshore offers the CSO course through online, offline and client-site training formats, allowing candidates to choose the mode that suits their requirements. - 10. What certification do I receive after completing the CSO course?
Successful candidates receive certification after completing the training in accordance with the course's stated ISPS Code, IMO Model Course 3.20 and MSC/Circ.1154 framework.
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