Maritime Training specialist, Seagull, has secured Liberia’s approval for its unique Security training package.

Liberian approval comes little more than a month after Seagull announced that it had been awarded Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) approval for the new security training package, which is to be made available in October. Seagull has sent application for approval to a number of other flag states.

Receiving Liberian approval so shortly after getting NMA approval underscores industry recognition of the importance of Seagull’s courses in ensuring seafarers are trained properly in all security matters.  Shipowners can now be confident that their seafarers can demonstrate the necessary competency and proficiency.

The  package complies fully with the Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code, whose revised version introducing more stringent requirements for onboard security training with particular regard to attacks by pirates came into force in January this year.

Under the amendments, all seafarers must have approved ship security training, varying according to their level of responsibility. They must receive generic security awareness and familiarisation training, while those with specific security related roles must have appropriate training for their role.

The new Security Onboard training system offers three courses certified by Norwegian classification society Det Norsk Veritas through the SeaSkill programme.

Seagull has developed two new CBT training levels. Level 1 addresses security-related familiarisation and awareness for all seafarers and Level 2 covers the requirements of seafarers with designated security duties. The existing SSO course, the designated Level 3 of the Seagull Security Onboard training system, has also been updated.

Level 1 includes two e-learning modules; one on security awareness and one on piracy and armed robbery. These are backed up by a work book including a security familiarisation checklist. Level 2 comprises an onboard course for personnel with security duties, which includes the same two e-learning modules on security awareness, and on piracy and armed robbery. This is supported by a workbook.

Level 3 training comprises the same two modules as Level 1 and 2, CBT 115 Security Awareness and CBT 156 Piracy and Armed Robbery, with the addition of a specific SSO e-learning module and workbook. This is delivered through the CBT 121 Ship Security Officer course.