Rynda Crewing

Seafarer documentsSafety and security

Ship security officer (SSO)

  • STCW VI/5
  • Full entry
  • Checked 6 October 2026
Document type
Training certificate
Validity
As shown on the issued document
Names in other countries
25 countries
Contents7

1 What it covers

Ship Security Officer (STCW VI/5) evidences competence in organising ship security and implementing the ship security plan. It is needed by the officer designated as ship security officer. Validity: as shown on the issued document.1–3

2 What it consists of

The standard of competence is set by table A-VI/5 of the Code.1,2

3 Validity and renewal

Document validity. The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates.

Maintaining competence. The STCW Convention sets no refresher interval for this training.2,3

4 Which positions

The need follows from the ship and the duties on board, not from the title of the position. In this reference the document appears in the requirements of these positions:

5 Names in 25 countries

How national systems name this document. The original name is given where the source has it; the English name is our editorial rendering.

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
South AfricaShip security officerIssued by: South African Maritime Safety Authority · source
UkraineShip security officer qualificationsource
NigeriaShip Security Officer certificateShip Security OfficerIssued by: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency · source
PhilippinesCertificate of Proficiency – Ship Security OfficerIssued by: Maritime Industry Authority · source
GermanyBefähigungsnachweis Gefahrenabwehrbeauftragter SSOShip security officerIssued by: BSH · source

Related document

CountryName in the issuing country
EstoniaLaeva turvaülema tunnistusShip Security Officer CertificateIssued by: Transpordiamet · source
Show all 25 countries

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
PortugalCertificado de qualificação para oficial de proteção do navioShip security officerIssued by: DGRM · source
GhanaSSOIssued by: Ghana Maritime Authority · source
NorwayCertificate of proficiency for ship security officersShip security officerIssued by: Norwegian Maritime Authority / Sjøfartsdirektoratet · source
BahamasCertificate of Proficiency for Ship Security OfficersIssued by: Bahamas Maritime Authority · source
Hong KongCertificate of Proficiency for Ship Security OfficersIssued by: Hong Kong Marine Department · source
Japan船舶保安管理者適任証書Certificate of Qualification for Ship Security OfficerIssued by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism · source
United StatesVessel Security OfficerIssued by: United States Coast Guard, National Maritime Center · source
FinlandAluksen turvapäällikön lisäpätevyysShip security officerIssued by: Traficom · source
CanadaShip Security OfficerIssued by: Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security · source
New ZealandShip Security OfficersIssued by: Maritime New Zealand · source
BrazilCurso Especial de Oficial de Proteção do NavioShip Security Officer Training (EOPN)Issued by: Marinha do Brasil, Diretoria de Portos e Costas · source
ArgentinaOficial Protección de BuqueShip Security OfficerIssued by: Agencia Nacional de Puertos y Navegación; Prefectura Naval Argentina · source
Antigua and BarbudaEndorsement as Ship Security OfficerIssued by: Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) · source
BelizeSSO endorsement certificateIssued by: International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) · source
ColombiaFormación de oficiales de protección de buquesShip Security Officer trainingIssued by: Dirección General Marítima (DIMAR) · source
Cook IslandsCertificate of Proficiency as Ship Security OfficerIssued by: Maritime Cook Islands · source
IcelandVerndarfulltrúi skipsShip Security Officer QualificationIssued by: Samgöngustofa · source
Slovenialadijski častnik za zaščitoShip Security OfficerIssued by: Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo · source

Related document

CountryName in the issuing country
EcuadorOficial de protección del buque / oficial de protección de la compañíaShip Security Officer / Company Security Officer TrainingIssued by: Dirección Nacional de los Espacios Acuáticos (DIRNEA), Armada del Ecuador · source

"Related document" is a national document of its own system that relates to this type but is not automatically equal to it.

Encompasses: Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties STCW VI/6Security Awareness Training STCW VI/64,5

7 Frequently asked questions

Who needs Ship Security Officer?

The officer designated as ship security officer. In this reference it appears in the requirements of 2 positions; whether you need it depends on the ship and your duties.1,2

How long is Ship Security Officer valid?

The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates. The STCW Convention sets no refresher interval for this training.2,3

What else is Ship Security Officer called?

Also known as SSO. National names in 25 countries are listed on this page.

Ship Security Officer (SSO) Certificate, STCW VI/5 | Rynda Crewing