The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, through Det Norske Veritas, has approved a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Refresher Course developed by The California Maritime Academy, a part of The California State University. The course, offered through Cal Maritime’s Sponsored Projects and Extended Learning (SPEL) Department, provides a refresher curriculum for maritime security personnel and is designed to facilitate the transition to the USCG mandatory training for Vessel Security Officers.
Effective July 1, 2009 licensed mariners designated as Vessel or Ship Security officers will have to have either passed an approved Vessel Security Officer course, or taken an approved VSO Refresher course and either worked in the position of a VSO or have taken a VSO course. The Refresher course addresses all the latest requirements of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and the TWIC program, as well as other recent developments and complies with the Guidelines for Maritime Security Training Course Provider (Federal Register February 8, 2005 - Volume 70, Number 25) and the following standards:
• Regulations 13.1 (Part A and B), and 13.2 (Part A and B) of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
• IMO Model Course 3.19 Ship Security Officer (2003 edition)
• Model Course MTSA 08-01R Refresher Course for Vessel Security Officer (2008 edition)
• STCW Convention 1978, as amended, Regulation VI/5
Cal Maritime now delivers Maritime Security Courses certified by the Coast Guard, The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These courses meet the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), and State and Federal emergency management standards. As such, the courses are eligible for DHS grant reimbursement under the Homeland Security and Port Security Grant Programs
For more information on Cal Maritime’s new state/federal-approved security training courses, please contact Veronica Boe at 707-654-1156 or at vboe@csum.edu. Information on the full range of Cal Maritime’s Extended Learning
(www.maritime-education.com)