If you are working at sea, or planning to, you will have come across proficiency in security awareness as part of the STCW framework. It is a mandatory requirement for many seafarers, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood certificates. We regularly speak to delegates who are unsure whether they need it, what it covers, or if it expires.

At Stream Marine Training in Glasgow, we deliver STCW training every week for seafarers from across the UK and beyond. Our instructors come from real operational backgrounds at sea and offshore, so the training is grounded in how security actually works onboard, not just what is written in the regulations. This guide explains exactly what STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness is, who needs it, and how it fits into your wider certification requirements.

What is STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness?

STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness is a mandatory safety certificate set out under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It applies to seafarers who do not have designated security duties but still need to understand security risks, procedures and their role in keeping a vessel secure.

The course focuses on awareness rather than tactical response. In practice, that means recognising security threats, understanding the importance of reporting, and knowing how your behaviour can affect the overall safety of the ship, crew and passengers.

At SMT, we explain this in plain terms. Security at sea is not about turning everyone into a security officer. It is about ensuring every crew member knows what normal looks like, what does not, and what to do when something feels wrong.

Who needs Proficiency in Security Awareness?

You need STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness if you are employed or engaged onboard a ship that is required to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, often referred to as the ISPS Code.

This typically includes:

  • Deck and engine ratings

  • Catering and hotel staff on passenger vessels

  • Crew on merchant vessels and offshore support vessels

  • Anyone without designated security duties

If you have specific security responsibilities onboard, such as conducting searches or managing access control, you would normally require Proficiency in Designated Security Duties instead. Many seafarers are unclear on the difference, which is why we always confirm the correct course during booking.

You can view all of our STCW options on the SMT website here:
https://streammarinetraining.com/courses/cat-2-stcw-courses/

What does the training actually cover?

Although the course is short, it is important. The content is designed to give you the awareness needed to contribute to onboard security without overwhelming you with unnecessary detail.

Key areas covered include:

  • Understanding maritime security threats such as piracy, stowaways and sabotage

  • Recognising suspicious behaviour, objects or activities

  • Knowing how to report security concerns correctly

  • Understanding security levels and what they mean in practice

  • Awareness of emergency procedures linked to security incidents

Our instructors use real examples from commercial shipping, offshore vessels and passenger operations. That experience matters. It helps bring the subject to life and makes it easier to remember what to do if a real situation arises.

Does Proficiency in Security Awareness expire?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is clear.

STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness does not require refresher training.

Once you have completed the course and been certificated, it does not expire under current STCW regulations. You do not need to renew it, and there is no refresher interval set by the IMO or MCA.

This is different from other STCW elements, such as:

  • Personal Survival Techniques, which requires updates

  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, which requires updates

  • Fast Rescue Boat, which requires refresher training

  • Medical Care On Board Ship, which requires refresher training

We always take time at SMT to explain these differences so you can plan your training properly and avoid unnecessary courses.

How Proficiency in Security Awareness fits into STCW Basic Safety Training

Proficiency in Security Awareness is often taken alongside STCW Basic Safety Training, particularly for new entrants to the industry.

STCW Basic Safety Training is the correct and recognised term, and it includes:

  • Personal Survival Techniques

  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

  • Elementary First Aid

  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities

Security Awareness sits alongside this package rather than replacing any part of it. Many employers expect seafarers to hold both, even though they are technically separate certificates.

If you are unsure what you need for a specific role or vessel type, our team is always happy to talk it through before you book.

What to expect on the SMT Security Awareness course

At Stream Marine Training, the Security Awareness course is delivered in a classroom-based format, but it is far from a box-ticking exercise.

Our instructors draw on real maritime and offshore experience to explain how security procedures work onboard in practice. You will discuss realistic scenarios, look at common security failures, and understand how small actions by individual crew members can have serious consequences.

Typical course features include:

  • Instructor-led discussion rather than passive slides

  • Real-world case studies from the maritime industry

  • Clear explanations of your responsibilities as a seafarer

  • A supportive learning environment suitable for all experience levels

The course is designed to be accessible. You do not need prior security knowledge, and there is no physical assessment involved.

You can find full details of the course and upcoming dates here.

Why instructor experience matters in security training

Security awareness is not just theory. It is about judgement, communication and understanding how vessels actually operate.

Our instructors at SMT have worked at sea, offshore and within emergency response environments. That experience shapes how the course is delivered. Instead of abstract examples, you hear about real incidents, near misses and lessons learned the hard way.

This approach helps delegates leave the course confident in their understanding, not just compliant on paper.

Booking and next steps

If you need STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness, or want to check whether it applies to your role, we recommend dealing with it early. Although it does not expire, it is still a mandatory requirement for many vessels and employers will expect to see it on your certificate list.

At Stream Marine Training, we deliver the course regularly at our Glasgow facility near the airport, making it easy to access for seafarers travelling from across Scotland and the UK.

For advice, bookings or clarification on STCW requirements, you can contact us directly on bookings@streammarinetraining.com or call +44 (0)141 212 8777. Our team will make sure you are booked on the right course for your role.

Frequently Asked Questions About STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness

What is STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness?

STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness is a mandatory certificate for seafarers who do not have designated security duties. It provides awareness of maritime security threats, reporting procedures and individual responsibilities onboard.

Who needs Proficiency in Security Awareness training?

Most seafarers working on ISPS-compliant vessels need Proficiency in Security Awareness unless they hold a designated security role, in which case a different certificate may be required.

Does Proficiency in Security Awareness need to be refreshed?

No. Proficiency in Security Awareness does not require refresher training under current STCW regulations and does not expire once completed.

Is Proficiency in Security Awareness part of STCW Basic Safety Training?

It is not part of STCW Basic Safety Training, but it is often taken alongside it, especially by new entrants to the maritime industry.

What does the SMT Security Awareness course involve?

At Stream Marine Training, the course is classroom-based and focuses on practical understanding, real-world scenarios and clear explanations delivered by instructors with operational maritime experience.

How long does the Proficiency in Security Awareness course take?

The course is typically completed in one day, depending on delivery format and class size.

Where is Stream Marine Training located?

Stream Marine Training is based near Glasgow Airport, with easy access for delegates travelling from across Scotland and the UK.