STCW Security Awareness Online ( Yacht Crew)
A minimum requirement to become a Stewardess or Deckhand on board Yachts.
MCA Accepted Proficiency in Security awareness (PSA) training must be undertaken by all crew on commercial and private Yachts which are required to comply with the ISPS Code. This training/instruction meets the requirements of Section A-V1/6 paragraph 4 of the amended STCW Code.
Internationally Recognised STCW & MCA and EU Approved
STCW Course Certificate digital and original sent to home address.
Fully Online and Interactive Training Materials.
What Is STCW Security Awareness and Who Needs It?
STCW Security Awareness (Regulation A-VI/6-1, paragraph 4) is the minimum mandatory security certificate for every crew member on any commercial vessel subject to the ISPS Code — including all superyachts operating commercially. Unlike PDSD, which applies specifically to crew with designated security duties, Security Awareness is required of everyone on board: stewardesses, deckhands, engineers, cooks, and officers. It is the baseline. Without it, a captain cannot sign you on as crew.
The ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) applies to all commercial yachts on international voyages. In practice, this means every superyacht operating in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or any other international waters. Security Awareness training prepares all crew to recognise threats, understand the three MARSEC security levels, know how to report a security incident, and respond correctly if the vessel is boarded or threatened.
Security Awareness is not the same as PDSD. Here is the difference:
- Security Awareness (A-VI/6-1) — mandatory for ALL crew. Minimum requirement. Covers threat recognition, MARSEC levels, incident reporting, and ISPS Code awareness.
- PDSD — Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (A-VI/6-2) — required for crew who are specifically designated to carry out security duties on board. Deckhands and any crew assigned to monitor access points or control movements. See our PDSD course page for the full breakdown.
Most captains expect new crew to hold both. If you are a stewardess, Security Awareness is your minimum. If you are a deckhand, you need Security Awareness plus PDSD. Both are included in the Stewardess Training Package and the Deckhand Training Package at Yachtiecareers.
Drazen — Chief Officer on 100m superyachts: "Security Awareness is non-negotiable. Every single person who steps on board a commercial yacht as crew needs it. No captain will hire you without it. It is the floor, not an optional extra."
STCW Security Awareness is included
When booking full Stewardess and Deckhand training in Europe.
STCW Yacht Deckhand Training Europe
STCW Security Awareness (Yacht Crew) is included in the Full Yacht Deckhand Training. Required to work on board as Yacht Deckhand.
STCW Yacht Stewardess Training Europe
STCW Security Awareness (Yacht Crew) is included in the Full Yacht Stewardess Training. Required to work on board as Yacht Stewardess.
Should I get STCW Security Awareness Yacht Crew ?
Do I get a STCW Certificate ?
Official MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness Certification
This Course is fully approved by the UK DfT Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is internationally recognised and accepted. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to Regulation VI/6, paragraph 1, and Section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended and has also met the additional criteria specified in the STCW Convention and Code, applicable to the issue of this certificate.
Secure PDF Certificate
Upon successful completion of the online course, verification of Learner ID, and associated official Assessment, Learners will receive an electronic version of the official course certificate (in secure PDF format). Certificates are usually sent out within 24 hours of confirmation of your results, or the next working day.
Hardcopy, Embossed Stamped Certificate
Learners may also request a hardcopy certificate to be posted to their home address for a small administration and postage charge.
How Long is the Security Awareness (PSA) course ?
Course Duration
The course duration is approximately 4 hours. Learners may enter and exit the course as often as they require. Your licence allows you access to the course for up to 6 months to complete [if required] or upon successful completion of the course.
What happens when I book STCW Security Awareness (Yacht Crew)
After your order you will receive log in details to take the online course.
You are required to submit an official form of ID such as a scan of your passport, driving licence, or other official photo ID. This is to ensure you are who you state yourself to be, and so we can use this ID to collect the relevant information that will populate your official course certificate. It is very easy to do and will only take you around five (5) minutes to do.
The STCW Security Awareness (PSA) is offered in English language.
What is STCW Security Awareness (PSA) ?
This YACHT CREW SECURITY AWARENESS COURSE COVERS:
Security Awareness Course Subjects
- A working knowledge of Maritime Security Terms and Definitions, including those that relate to Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.
- An understanding of International Maritime Security Policy.
- An understanding of the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels and their impact on security measures and procedures aboard ship and in port facilities.
- How to report a security incident.
- An understanding of security-related contingency plans.
- How to recognise security threats, including Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery against Shipping.
- How to recognise weapons, dangerous substances and devices and an understanding of the damage they can cause.
- The importance of information security with regards to Sensitive Security-Related Information (SSRI) and Communications.
- An understanding of the importance of security related drills and exercises including those relating to Anti-Piracy and Anti -Armed Robbery.
Is STCW Security Awareness required to work on board Yachts as crew ?
Do I require STCW Security Awareness to work as a Yacht Stewardess ?
To work as a Stewardess on Yachts you require minimum STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Course for Security Duties on board.
Do I require STCW Security Awareness to work as a Yacht Deckhand ?
To work as a Deckhand on Yachts you require minimum STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Course for Security Duties on board.
What STCW Certificates do I require to work as Yacht Crew ?
You need STCW Basic Safety and Yacht training for Deckhands or Stewardesses. A mandatory Certificate is to have when working on board as Yacht Crew is STCW Security Awareness (MCA Accpted for Yacht Crew).
What the STCW Security Awareness Course for Yacht Crew Covers
The online Security Awareness course is built around the scenarios yacht crew actually face — MARSEC level changes in port, piracy awareness in high-risk corridors, access control at the gangway, and recognising suspicious activity around the yacht. Here is what the training covers:
- Maritime security terms and definitions — including piracy and armed robbery against shipping
- ISPS Code and international maritime security policy — what it requires of vessels and crew
- MARSEC levels 1, 2, and 3 — what each level means for onboard procedures, access control, and crew responsibilities
- Recognising security threats — suspicious vessels, persons, or behaviour in port and at anchor
- Weapons, dangerous substances and devices — recognition and reporting procedures
- How to report a security incident — chain of command, documentation, and communication with port authorities
- Security drills and exercises — including anti-piracy and armed robbery scenarios
- Information security — handling sensitive security-related information (SSRI) on board
How Security Awareness Fits Into Your Full STCW Package
Security Awareness is one certificate in the full set you need to work as paid yacht crew. The mandatory set is: STCW Basic Safety, ENG1 medical certificate, Security Awareness, PDSD, and Food Hygiene Level 2. Crowd Management and Crisis Management are added for charter yachts carrying more than 12 passengers. Read our full STCW guide for yacht crew for the complete order and explanation of each certificate. For the full step-by-step path from zero to your first contract, read our yacht crew job guide.
Written by Drazen — Chief Officer, 10 years on 100m superyachts. Drazen trains deckhands and stewardesses at Yachtiecareers and has operated under ISPS Code compliance across every major flag state. Book a free call with the team, or read what students say on our reviews page.
Ready to become yacht crew and start ?
Select your position to become a yacht stewardess and yacht deckhand today.
STCW Security Awareness (Yacht Crew)
A STCW online course for minimum requirement to become yacht crew on Superyachts .
MCA Accepted Proficiency in Security awareness (PSA) training must be undertaken by all crew on commercial and private Yachts which are required to comply with the ISPS Code. This training/instruction meets the requirements of Section A-V1/6 paragraph 4 of the amended STCW Code.
