Scope and Coverage
- Applies to all maritime security training courses except Standard Training, Certification and Watch-Keeping (STCW) courses.
- Training must be conducted by OTS-accredited maritime certified instructors, entities, organizations, individuals, or training centers.
- Applicable to shipping companies, security regulated ports (SRP), and port facility operators with personnel performing maritime security roles.
Key Definitions
- Accreditation: Evaluation process by OTS to ensure course compliance with academic standards.
- Administration: Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as the Designated Authority.
- Certificates: Completion certificate requires minimum 80% in theory and practical exams; attendance certificate issued if below 80%.
- Company Security Officer (CSO): Person designated by shipping companies to oversee ship security assessment, plan approval, and implementation.
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Responsible for port facility security plans and liaison duties.
- Port Security Officer (PSO): Responsible for regulated port security plans and coordination.
- Training Courses: Defined courses include CSO, PFSO, PSO, Security Awareness for those with and without direct security duties.
- Security Regulated Port (SRP): Port area with multiple facilities requiring enhanced security measures.
Guidelines for Maritime Security Training
- Only OTS-accredited maritime security courses (excluding STCW) are recognized.
- Mandatory courses include CSO Course, PFSO Course, and Security Awareness Training for port personnel.
- The Institute for Transportation and Security Training and Studies (ITSTS) administers theoretical and practical exams.
- Trainees must pass exams to receive a Certificate of Completion; failure results in a Certificate of Attendance.
- Training providers must submit training reports to OTS within 15 working days post-course.
- Accreditation can be denied, recalled, or revoked for non-compliance.
Procedures for Accreditation and Conduct of Trainings
- Application for accreditation requires submission of:
- Schedule and venue
- Course syllabus or program of instruction
- Training materials
- Roster and resumes of certified instructors
- List of participants with employment certificates and local law enforcement clearances
- OTS conducts onsite validation to verify submitted documents and instructor certifications.
- ITSTS evaluates and validates submitted course materials.
- Successful applications receive formal written approval from the OTS Administrator.
- Applicants must notify OTS of actual training dates and exam schedules immediately after approval.
Effectivity
- The guidelines take effect upon approval and publication in a newspaper of general circulation.