Course catalogue

Who is this course for?

All personnel who require  knowledge and/or refreshed on IMO Codes and their application.

Is previous experience required?

You do not need prior knowledge or experience to complete this course. 

How will this course benefit me?

This course gives the learner the basic understanding and awareness of the maritime industry’s core conventions and codes as they apply to safety and pollution prevention

How will this course benefit my company?

By ensuring you have a basic understanding and awareness of the maritime industry’s core conventions and codes as they apply to safety and pollution prevention.

What standards are referred to in this course?

Overview of the IMO Conventions; STCW, SOLAS, MARPOL, BALLAST WATER, COLREG, ILO AND MLC

Is there an assessment?

Once you have completed the course, you will be asked a series of questions to check your knowledge and understanding. These are based on the learning objectives for the course and have a pass mark of 80%.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Deck Ratings is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Deck Rating position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accredited Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Junior Deck Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Junior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accreditated Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Deck Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Senior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accreditated Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Presentation

This training course is about what an effective cyber security risk management should be. Its goal is not to address too many technical questions as the best technical expertise in the world won’t guarantee zero cyber risk. The course aims at providing your Company with a real battle plan: know the assets, know the enemies, organize accordingly and train the effectives. Although this will not be enough to avoid a cyber incident, the severity of the consequences of a cyber incident will depend on the company’s preparedness and ability to manage it.

Who the course is for?

The course ISM Code and Cyber Risk Management is aimed at anyone interested in understanding how an effective cyber security risk management should be. This may include Top Management of Shipping Companies, Ship Managers, Technical Superintendents, Ship Masters, Officers and Seafarers; Offshore Units Operators and Technical Staff, Shipyards Technical Staff; Surveyors; P&I and/or Insurance Inspectors; etc.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know what cyber security is, the main threats and their consequences.

Understand how to consider the cyber risks in the Safety Management System and how the ISM Code translated into cyber security.

Know the 12 cybersecurity commandments that will help implementing an efficient cyber risk management system.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Engine Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Senior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accredited Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the SOLAS requirements concerning radio communications and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the requirements concerning radio communication equipment on board ships and offshore units.

Understand the GMDSS functional requirements.

Understand the means required for GMDSS tests and drills on board.

Know the requirements for EPIRB, radio lifesaving appliances and sources of energy for radio communication equipment.

Program

Safety radio surveys and certification

GMDSS functional requirements

o Land and satellite communications

o Inmarsat

o Functional requirements while at sea

o Distress urgency and safety radio communications

o Sea areas

o Maintenance of radio installation

o Maintenance of satellite EPIRB

o Maritime safety information

GMDSS equipment

o Equipment to be provided on board

o Core installation

o Inmarsat EGC

o NAVTEX

o Satellite EPIRB and VHF EPIRB

o Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)

o Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

o Two-way VHF radio-telephone

Main, emergency and reserve sources of power

Automatic battery chargers

Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of SOLAS Safety Radio, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of SOLAS Safety Radio is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Engine Ratings is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Engine Rating position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accredited Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Who is the course for?

Operator personnel who are responsible for assessing and verifying the SIGTTO competency standards and Officers serving on LNG or LPG carriers who are being assessed.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.  

How will the course benefit me?

This course will provide learners with an introduction to SIGTTO and an overview of the competency and experience matrices, as well as how to apply them.

How will the course benefit my company?

This course acts as an introduction to the assessment for operators that allows them to examine personnel compliance and will ensure that those employed by the operators have the relevant knowledge and experience to perform safely in their role.

What standards are referenced in the course?

The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operations (SIGTTO) 

International Association of Classification Societies (IASCS)

Is there an assessment? 

Once you have completed the course, you will be asked a series of questions to check your knowledge and understanding. These are based on the learning objectives for the course and have a pass mark of 70%.

ISM-koden (International safety management code – A.741(18)) er en internasjonal sikkerhetsstyringsstandard for drift av fartøy (flyttbare installasjoner til sjøs) og hindring av forurensing. Tolv år etter at ISM koden ble obligatorisk, gjennomførte IMO den første revideringen (gjennomgang) av koden. Endringene ble gjort gjeldende fra og med juli 2010. Den siste “oppdateringen” (forandringer) av ISM koden (2014) er gjeldende fra og med 2015. I 2017 vedtok den internasjonale maritime organisasjonen (IMO) kravet om Maritime Cyber risikostyring (datasikkerhet). Datasikkerhet skal nå være en integrert del av rederiets risikostyring for å håndtere risikoen for sine skip. Fra og med 2021 er kravet at håndtering av cyberrisikoer er innarbeidet i rederiers sikkerhetsstyringssystem.

Kurset tar for seg ISM kodens oppbygning og krav satt i koden. Samt hvordan selskapet (rederi) delegerer, og hvordan de involverte ivaretar sine oppgaver og plikter.

Kursdeltagerne skal etter gjennomført kurs forstå bakgrunn og formål med ISM koden. Selskapet sitt ansvar, samt være i stand til å bidra med å gjennomføre, evaluere og kontinuerlig forbedre et selskap sitt styringssystem.

This course is only available in Norwegian.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Junior Engine Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Junior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accreditated Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements to prevent air pollution from ships and offshore units.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the international regulations related to the prevention of air pollution from ships and offshore units.

Understand the requirements for the control of emissions of substances from ships and offshore units.

Get familiar with the requirements concerning shipboard incineration and fuel oil quality.

Understand the concept of energy efficiency and related MARPOL requirements.

Know the various surveys required and the different certificates and documents to be available on board.

Program

Application

International regulations: ozone-depleting substances (ODS), nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Control of emissions

o Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

o Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

o Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter

o Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Shipboard incineration

Fuel oil quality

Bunker delivery notes

Energy efficiency design index (EEDI)

Ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP)

Survey and certification

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Air Pollution, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Air Pollution is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course composed of 2 modules provides an overview of the requirements of the Ballast Water Management International Convention and the technical aspects related to the ballast water treatment equipment.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the background of the Ballast Water Management Convention, its structure and the most important regulations

Know the difference between the ballast water exchange and the performance standards

Understand the role of all stakeholders and actors

Be familiar with the approval, inspections, commissioning and tests of Ballast Water

Management systems

Understand the survey and certification requirements

Be familiar with the different technologies used and the installation requirements

Program

Module 1 – BWM Regulatory Aspects

Background

The Ballast Water Management Convention

Duties of the main stakeholders 

Ballast Water Management Standards

USCG Position 

Module 2 – BWM Technical Aspects

BWM Surveys

International Ballast Water Management Certificate

BWM System Approval

Sampling

Ballast water treatment systems technologies

Ballast water treatment systems installation

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Ballast Water Management, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Ballast Water Management is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test. 

Strict regulations and procedures exist for the safe and efficient operation of ships - and UK regulations and procedures may differ from those you may be familiar with in other flag vessels. 

This online course will help to comply with UK requirements by focusing on the guidelines set out in 'A Master's Guide to the UK Flag', released by the UK DfT Maritime and Coastguard Agency.  

This course aims to allow the learner to train themselves in vital regulation and procedures in the most efficient way possible - by studying each of the 14 subjects in this course, with learning consolidated via confirmation and assessment questions.

Presentation

This training course aims at providing an overview of the Port State Control background, organisation and procedures. It includes a description of the Port State Control inspection process, the criteria for selection of ships for inspection and the most common detainable deficiencies.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the background and organisation of the various Port State Control regimes around the world

Understand the Port State Control procedures, the criteria for selection of ships for inspection and the inspection process

Know the various publications issued regularly by the different Port State Control regimes 

Get familiar with the most common deficiencies which may lead to ship’s detention

Program

PSC background and organisation

Purpose

Regulations

Regional Port State Control organisations

PSC procedures

Relevant instruments

Selection of ships for inspection

Inspection and selection scheme – Scope, priority and frequency of inspection

Paris MOU – New Inspection Regime (NIR) factors

PSC inspection process

Initial inspection

Clear grounds for more detailed inspection

More detailed inspection

Ship detention

Banning of ships

Publication of information

Detainable deficiencies

Examples of detainable deficiencies

Under SOLAS Convention

Under Load Lines Convention

Under MARPOL Convention

Under Chemical and Gas Codes

Under STCW Convention

Under ILO Conventions

Statistics from various PSCs

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded: 

A Certificate of Port State Control, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Port State Control is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general introduction to the most important maritime regulatory bodies: the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the mission and structure of IMO, know the IMO requirements and the main International Conventions, and understand the process of acceptance, adoption and implementation of International Conventions.

Know the history of IACS and its mission, understand the IACS organization and the role of each entity, and know the main types of documents issued by IACS and how they are implemented.

Understand the European context, the role of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and know the key points of the EU Regulation on common standards for ship inspection and survey organisations.

Program

Module 1 – IMO

IMO Mission

IMO History

IMO Organisation

IMO Regulations

Implementation of IMO Regulations

IMO Technical Assistance

Module 2 – IACS

IACS History

IACS membership evolution and current members

Membership criteria

The mission of Classification Societies and what Classification Societies do not do

IACS aims

IACS values – Leadership, technical knowledge, quality performance, transparency

IACS Organisation

Work programme and work process

IACS Panels

IACS main documents

Module 3 – EMSA

The European context

EMSA purpose and mission

EMSA structure

Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Maritime Regulatory Bodies, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Maritime Regulatory Bodies is obtained after completing the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements concerning the protection against oil pollution from machinery spaces.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the means for control of discharge of oil residues and the requirements for oil filtering equipment and 15 ppm alarm.

Get familiar with the Oil Record Book, SOPEP booklet and the required drills.

Know the details of MARPOL surveys and the certificates to be issued.

Know the most common PSC deficiencies related to MARPOL Annex I.

Program

History of MARPOL Convention

Survey and certification

Sludge tanks

Oil fuel tank protection

Standard discharge connection

Oil filtering equipment: 

o Bilge water waste system

o Oily water separator

o Piping system

o Documentation

Control of discharge of oil

Oil record book

Shipboard oil pollution emergency plan

Scope of the different surveys required

PSC inspection and most common deficiencies

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Machinery Spaces, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Machinery Spaces is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements concerning the protection against oil pollution from cargo spaces of oil tankers.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the MARPOL requirements for the prevention of oil pollution from cargo spaces of oil tankers.

Get familiar with the pollution prevention equipment required by the MARPOL Convention.

Know the requirements for survey and certification of oil tankers.

Program

Segregated ballast tanks

Double hull and double bottom

Pump-room bottom protection

Subdivision and stability

Slop tanks

Pumping, piping and discharge arrangements

Oil discharge monitoring and control system

Oil/water interface detector

Crude oil washing system

Control of discharge of oil

Oil record book part II

Ship-to-ship transfer

Survey and certification, type-approval certificates

Different survey types

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Cargo Spaces, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Cargo Spaces is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

It is important that a ship can demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code through the provision of an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), or in circumstances where there is an obvious security failing; otherwise, difficulties may be experienced at ports of call-in relation to the Port State Control Authorities. For this reason, this course is intended to align UK flagged cargo ships with the UK Department for Transport Maritime Security (formerly TRANSEC) with UK flagged passenger ships and port facilities, and to help in the generation of practical and sustainable regimes that balance the security of the ship with the wellbeing of the crew.

The course conforms to CSSI guidelines provided by the UK Department for Transport Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which specifies the baseline protective security measures to be taken by ships at all ports around the world and at each of the Security Levels, and aims to ensure consistent, proportionate, and practical measures are in place.

The UK Department for Transport (formerly TRANSEC) and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have responsibility to ensure the safety of port facility and cargo/freight & passenger ship security, within a policy framework demanded by international maritime legislation and codes outlined in SOLAS Chapter X1-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

This applies to the following types of ships engaged on international voyages:

• Passenger ships, including high-speed craft.

• Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards.

• Mobile offshore drilling units as defined in Regulation XI-2/1.1.5. (SOLAS)

The course can be used as an intrinsic part of an organisation's overall risk management and has been created to advise and educate senior personnel, senior officers, and specific security personnel in the application of security measures contained in UK Flagged Cargo Ship Security Plans (SSPs) at the different Security Levels.

Presentation

This training course composed of 4 modules provides an overview of the Polar Code. It includes a general presentation of the Polar Code, the certification process, the safety requirements and the environmental protection requirements.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the main sources of hazards associated with the operations in polar waters and be familiar with the general principles, structure and philosophy of the Polar Code.

Know the main steps of the certification process, the operational assessment methodologies used to establish the operational limitations in ice operations, the requirements and contents of the Polar Water Operational Manual, and the survey and certification requirements.

Have a general understanding of the safety requirements concerning ship’s design and construction, machinery installations, safety equipment and fire protection, safety of navigation and communication equipment.

Get familiar with the requirements for operations in polar waters and training of crew.

Understand the Polar Code requirements for protection against oil pollution, NLS pollution, sewage pollution and garbage disposal.

Program

Module 1 – The Code

Introduction

Regulatory framework

The Polar Code

Module 2 – Certification Process

Certification overview

Operational assessment

Polar Water Operational Manual

Surveys and Certification

Polaris

BV Rules 

Module 3 – Safety Requirements

What does the Polar Code mean for safety?

Design and Construction

Equipment

Fire protection

Life-saving appliances

Operations and manning 

Module 4 – Environmental protection

How the Polar Code protects the environment?

Pollution prevention

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded: 

A Certificate of Polar Code, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Polar Code is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.