Posted:
March 26, 2013
As a reminder to all individuals sailing on a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) in trades for which STCW applies, the 2010 amendments to the STCW code now require a specific security endorsement for the MMC prior to Jan. 1, 2014.
The three STCW '95 vessel security endorsements are: VSO - VI/5 - Vessel Security Officer, VPDSD - VI/6 - Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties, and SA - VI/6 - Security Awareness. These endorsements are hierarchal, meaning VSO covers and includes VPDSD and SA, and VPDSD covers and includes SA. These endorsements must actually appear on your STCW/MMC, and you must apply to the U.S. Coast Guard to obtain the required endorsement unless VSO has already been placed on your STCW/MMC.
Most officers will require the new VPDSD endorsement, which can be obtained if an individual can submit appropriate documentation showing six months of security duties in the previous three years. STAR Center has provided specific directions, a sample service letter and a sample USCG application to obtain the endorsement on the STAR Center website. Under the 12-06 policy letter information, there are links directly to the USCG policy letter, directions, sample letter and sample USCG application.
It is recommended all affected AMO members apply to the USCG to obtain the endorsement as soon as possible and have the endorsement placed on their MMCs well in advance of the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2014. Without the security endorsement, your MMC will become invalid as of the implementation date and you will be unable to sail on it.
Aware of the impact of the new regulations, STAR Center is adding three-day Vessel Security Officer (VSO) classes to those previously scheduled as follows: April 29, June 3 (new), July 22, Aug. 12 (new), Sept. 9, Oct. 28 (new), Nov. 18, and Dec. 16.
Any questions regarding this training should be directed to Director of Member Training and Officer Development Jerry Pannell at (800) 942-3220 ext. 7507 or via .
Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at (800) 942-3220 ext. 201 or via: .
STAR Center schedules additional VSO courses to assist AMO members in meeting new STCW requirement
As a reminder to all individuals sailing on a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) in trades for which STCW applies, the 2010 amendments to the STCW code now require a specific security endorsement for the MMC prior to Jan. 1, 2014.
The three STCW '95 vessel security endorsements are: VSO - VI/5 - Vessel Security Officer, VPDSD - VI/6 - Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties, and SA - VI/6 - Security Awareness. These endorsements are hierarchal, meaning VSO covers and includes VPDSD and SA, and VPDSD covers and includes SA. These endorsements must actually appear on your STCW/MMC, and you must apply to the U.S. Coast Guard to obtain the required endorsement unless VSO has already been placed on your STCW/MMC.
Most officers will require the new VPDSD endorsement, which can be obtained if an individual can submit appropriate documentation showing six months of security duties in the previous three years. STAR Center has provided specific directions, a sample service letter and a sample USCG application to obtain the endorsement on the STAR Center website. Under the 12-06 policy letter information, there are links directly to the USCG policy letter, directions, sample letter and sample USCG application.
It is recommended all affected AMO members apply to the USCG to obtain the endorsement as soon as possible and have the endorsement placed on their MMCs well in advance of the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2014. Without the security endorsement, your MMC will become invalid as of the implementation date and you will be unable to sail on it.
Aware of the impact of the new regulations, STAR Center is adding three-day Vessel Security Officer (VSO) classes to those previously scheduled as follows: April 29, June 3 (new), July 22, Aug. 12 (new), Sept. 9, Oct. 28 (new), Nov. 18, and Dec. 16.
Any questions regarding this training should be directed to Director of Member Training and Officer Development Jerry Pannell at (800) 942-3220 ext. 7507 or via .
Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at (800) 942-3220 ext. 201 or via: .