What are the maritime security rules?

Maritime Security rules are the widely accepted requirements, developed over time with the aim of keeping everyone safe. There are some key rules, technically they are referred to as conventions, treaties, or regulations, that you need to be aware of which we outline in this course. Security Rules have been amended over time depending on the changing threats. Rules come from various organisations for example the IMO (International Maritime Organisation). All governments that are members of the IMO agree to implement and enforce the rules. The main maritime rules are called; SOLAS In 1912, the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg. Over 1,500 people drowned due to a lack of lifeboats. The Titanic had 2,224 people on board, but nowhere near enough lifeboats. The total lifeboat capacity was only 1,178. The ship’s crew was also inadequately trained for such an emergency. Safety rules were needed. So in 1914, the first version of the Safety of Life at Sea convention was adopted in response. This convention is known as SOLAS. MARPOL As the world’s economy grew, so did the demand for oil. Oil tanker incidents and oil spills started to increase. The Torrey Canyon incident in 1967 was one of the worst incidents and became a catalyst for new rules. The Torrey Canyon incident led to around 36 million gallons of crude oil being spilt off the coast of the United Kingdom. So in 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships known was adopted. This convention became known as MARPOL. ISPS ISPS refers to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. ISPS is actually an amendment to the wider SOLAS convention and came into force on July 1st 2004 STCW STCW stands for the ‘Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping’ for Seafarers with the goal of enhancing safety. Amendments to training requirements were introduced in 1995 and again in 2010. The 2010 amendments are often referred to as the Manila amendments. The 2010 amendment introduced the need for all seafarers to receive security training. Which is the purpose of this Maritime Security course. IMO 1334 IMO 1334 is a circular that includes guidance to ship owners and ship operators, ship masters and crews on preventing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships.

What are the maritime security threats?

This maritime security course will provide your seafarers with the knowledge needed to reduce the chance of each of the threats below. Piracy The term piracy encompasses two offences. Robbery or Hijacking and Kidnapping. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is the world’s leading agency for maritime crime information. In 2022 the IMB reported 115 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships – compared to 132 in 2021 – with half of them occurring in Southeast Asian waters, particularly in the Singapore Straits, where incidents continue to rise. Many incidents are believed to go unreported, especially if the loss is not significant. Terrorism Maritime terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation. The attacks on USS Cole in 2000, MV Limburg in 2002, MV SuperFerry 14 in 2004 and the M Star in 2010 are all classified as acts of ‘Maritime Terrorism’. They provide a stark reminder that the world’s waterways continue to be vulnerable and seafarer vigilance is needed. Smuggling Contraband smuggling is the transportation of illegal goods, most commonly drugs and weapons, into or out of a country. A ship caught smuggling contraband could face confiscation, investigations, and detentions. For the crew interrogations, criminal conviction and imprisonment are all possible. Large financial losses to the ship owner are also possible. Stowaways Stowaways are people who hide aboard a ship to travel for free. The presence of stowaways on board ships may bring serious consequences. The life of stowaways could be endangered as they may spend several days hidden, with the risk of suffocation and without any water or provisions. The ship can be delayed in port because the repatriation of stowaways can be a very complex and costly procedure involving masters, shipowners, port authorities and agents. In 2023 there were 345 incidents reported involving 892 stowaways (IMO). Cargo Theft & Collateral Damage Lost or stolen cargo is estimated to cost the maritime industry around 50 billion dollars each year.

Who needs maritime security awareness training?

All seafarers without designated ship security duties are required to complete maritime security awareness training. This includes crew working on cargo ships, passenger vessels, offshore vessels, and other commercial maritime operations.

What does the maritime security course cover?

The course covers vessel security awareness, recognising suspicious activity, responding to security threats, piracy prevention, stowaways, and following onboard security procedures in line with international regulations.

How long does the online maritime security course take?

Most online maritime security training courses can be completed in a short time, typically within 60–90 minutes, depending on the learner’s pace.

Do I receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. On completion, learners receive a digital certificate confirming maritime security awareness training, which can be used as evidence of STCW compliance and employer training records.

Is this maritime security course STCW compliant?

Yes. This course is designed to meet the STCW 2010 security awareness training requirements, ensuring seafarers meet international maritime training standards.

Who is the maritime security course suitable for?

It is suitable for all non-security designated crew members working at sea, including those in general deck, engine, catering, and support roles on commercial vessels.

Why is maritime security training important?

Maritime security training is essential because it helps reduce risks from piracy, theft, sabotage, and other security threats. Crew awareness is a key factor in maintaining safe and secure vessel operations.

Can maritime security training be completed online?

Yes. Online maritime security training allows seafarers to complete the course at their own pace from any location, making it convenient and accessible before or during deployment.

OnlineMaritime Security

90 minutes

5 Year Certificate

Self-paced

The Echo3 online Maritime Security Training provides seafarers with the knowledge to identify security threats, respond appropriately, and help protect vessels, cargo, and crew from risks such as piracy, stowaways, and unlawful interference. It aligns with the STCW 2010 mandatory security training requirements and is suitable for all seafarers without designated ship security duties.

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Maritime Security Training Online

The Echo3 online Maritime Security Training course is designed for all seafarers without designated security duties. It provides essential knowledge to help maintain vessel safety, identify security risks, and support secure operations while working at sea.

Effective maritime security awareness training is critical. Threats such as piracy, stowaways, sabotage, and violence against shipping have remained a global concern for decades, making crew awareness an essential part of safe maritime operations.

This maritime security awareness course online provides security familiarisation training for crew members, helping them recognise potential threats, respond appropriately, and support overall vessel security procedures. It ensures all seafarers understand basic security responsibilities, even if they do not hold formal security roles.

The course meets the statutory security training requirement under STCW 2010 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping), supporting international compliance and promoting safer operations across commercial shipping.

Why Maritime Security Training Is Important

Maritime security training is essential for protecting vessels, crew, cargo, and passengers from a wide range of threats, including piracy, stowaways, sabotage, and unlawful interference.

Global maritime security threats remain a significant concern. In 2025, the International Maritime Bureau reported 137 incidents of piracy and armed robbery, with continued use of violence and weapons in many attacks, highlighting ongoing risks to international shipping routes.

Human awareness remains one of the strongest defences at sea. Crew members who can identify suspicious behaviour, report concerns correctly, and follow onboard security procedures play a vital role in reducing risk and maintaining safe operations.

This online maritime security training course helps seafarers build confidence in recognising threats and responding in line with vessel security protocols, improving overall safety and operational resilience.

Maritime Security Legal Requirements

Maritime security training is a legal requirement under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 2010).

Under STCW regulations, all seafarers must complete appropriate security awareness training before being assigned duties on board a vessel. This ensures crew members understand potential risks and know how to respond effectively in an emergency.

This STCW-compliant maritime security course online helps organisations meet their legal obligations while ensuring crews are properly trained in vessel security awareness.

Who Should Take This Course?

This maritime security awareness course online is suitable for all seafarers who do not have designated ship security responsibilities.

It is ideal for crew working on commercial vessels, including cargo ships, passenger ships, offshore vessels, and other maritime operations.

The course is essential for anyone working at sea who needs a clear understanding of basic maritime security awareness and procedures.

CPD Accredited Maritime Security Training

This CPD accredited maritime security training course online delivers structured, up-to-date learning aligned with international maritime security standards.

It provides practical knowledge to help learners identify security threats, follow correct procedures, and contribute to safe and compliant vessel operations.

Maritime Security accreditation

Certificate and Compliance Evidence

On successful completion, learners receive a digital certificate confirming completion of maritime security awareness training.

This certificate provides formal evidence of compliance with STCW training requirements and can be used for employer records, audits, and certification purposes.

It supports both individual competence and organisational compliance with international maritime safety and security standards.

Echo3 – A Smarter Way to Train

Echo3 provides flexible and scalable online maritime security training, helping maritime organisations and shipping companies manage workforce training efficiently.

Employers can enrol crew members, track progress, and manage certification through a centralised platform, making compliance simple and consistent across teams.

This maritime security course can also be combined with related training such as Fire Awareness, First Aid, Manual Handling, and Health & Safety courses, helping organisations build a complete maritime safety training programme.

All courses are accessed via Echo3 credits, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for ongoing compliance, training delivery, and workforce development.

Maritime Security Certificate

Written in compliance with the STCW 2010 regulation
Developed by qualified health and safety professionals
Accredited by CPD – learn more about CPD here
Last Updated June 2024
The online Maritime Security certificate is valid for 3 years.

Course Content

UNIT 1

Introduction

This course teaches seafarers how to recognise and respond to maritime security threats, understand MARSEC levels and support onboard security without direct confrontation.

UNIT 2

Overview of Security Threats

This unit provides an overview of key maritime security threats, including piracy, terrorism, smuggling, stowaways, cargo theft, and port security risks, helping seafarers understand how to identify risks.

UNIT 3

Maritime Security Rules & Codes

This unit introduces key international maritime security rules and codes designed to protect seafarers, vessels, cargo, and equipment, including SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS, STCW 2010, and related IMO resolutions.

UNIT 4

Security Roles & Responsibilities

This unit outlines ISPS Code security responsibilities across key maritime roles and clarifies who manages and reports security threats.

UNIT 5

Threat Identification

This unit covering threat recognition, suspicious behaviour, dangerous items, and the use of security equipment.

UNIT 6

Deterring Piracy

This unit focuses on the threat of piracy, including ship security measures and response actions before, during, and after piracy incidents.

UNIT 7

MARSEC Levels

This unit explains maritime security levels, including MARSEC levels 1, 2, and 3 used in the US and Canada, and how they indicate different levels of security risk and response.

UNIT 8

Appropriate Threat Responses

This unit covers appropriate responses to maritime security threats, including emergency preparedness, bomb threats, stowaways, security drills, and incident reporting, particularly at higher security levels.

UNIT 9

Security Drills

This concludes the maritime security course and leads into a short assessment, covering key topics such as threats, security rules, onboard roles, MARSEC levels, incident reporting, and security drills.

Course Preview

At Echo3 we design our courses around how people actually learn. The content is concise, free from unnecessary repetition, and supported by motion graphics to help explain key concepts. This enables workers to train efficiently, stay engaged, and ultimately stay safe at work.

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