icon__wave

Ship Safety Officer (SSO)

Training format
Course approved
Maritime Administration of Ukraine
American Bureau of Shipping
Academy Republic of Panama
Republic of Liberia
Republic of the Marshall Islands
For whom
The course is intended for captains, chief and second mates, watch officers, and cadets of maritime educational institutions. Suitable for anyone working on large vessels, including masters, pilots, and mooring masters. Aimed at officers and crew members responsible for safety duties and those involved in emergency actions and operations related to onboard safety. The course is also useful for safety specialists who are not crew members but participate in emergency actions.
Teaching language
English
Russian
Ukrainian
Duration
Seat restriction

Ship Safety Officer is NOT Ship Security Officer

The main difference between these positions lies in their focus: the Ship Safety Officer (SSO) is concerned with internal aspects of safety and crew health, while the Ship Security Officer (SSO) deals with protecting the ship from external threats. The confusion may have arisen due to the abbreviation SSO being used for both positions.

The course “Ship Safety Officer”, also known as “Ship Safety Officer (ISM Code)” and “Ship Safety Officer (ISM)”, is designed to train specialists responsible for ensuring safety on board ships. Participants study international safety standards, including SOLAS-74, the ISM Code, and IMO Resolution A.741(18). The course covers the key duties of a ship safety officer, safety management methods, risk analysis and prevention, and conducting investigations of maritime accidents and incidents. The practical part of the course includes drills and simulations to develop safety management and emergency response skills. Participants also learn to work with different types of ships and handle various emergency scenarios.

Standards: SOLAS-74, ISM Code, IMO Resolution A.741(18).

On the course you will learn to

The course “Ship Safety Officer” (SSO) is designed to train specialists responsible for ensuring safety on board ships. The course covers key aspects of safety management and complies with international standards, including IMO Model Course 3.11 “Maritime Accident and Incident Investigation,” SOLAS-74, Chapter IX, the ISM Code, and IMO Resolution A.741(18).

Course Objective

To train participants in the basic principles and procedures of ensuring safety on board a ship and provide the necessary knowledge and skills for the effective performance of the duties of a ship safety officer.

Introduction to the Course and Overview of International Standards

An overview of the international standards governing ship safety, including the main provisions of SOLAS-74, Chapter IX, the ISM Code, and IMO Resolution A.741(18).

  • Course Goals and Objectives: Description of the course goals and expected learning outcomes.
  • Overview of SOLAS-74, Chapter IX: Key requirements and international safety standards.
  • Main Provisions of the ISM Code: Principles and structure of the International Safety Management Code.
  • Important Aspects and Requirements of IMO Resolution A.741(18): Explanation of the mandatory requirements of the resolution.

Role and Responsibilities of the Ship Safety Officer

Key functions of the ship safety officer, including monitoring and controlling safety, accident prevention, compliance with standards, crew interaction, inspections and briefings, risk assessment, and incident documentation.

  • Key Functions and Duties of the SSO: Monitoring and controlling ship safety, accident prevention.
  • Coordination and Collaboration within the Team: Interaction with the crew and officers for effective safety management.
  • Maintaining High Levels of Crew and Ship Safety: Conducting regular inspections and briefings, risk assessment, and incident documentation.

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Study of safety management systems, their development, and implementation.

  • Key Elements of SMS: Structure and components of the system.
  • Development and Implementation of Safety Procedures: Step-by-step instructions and methodologies.
  • Safety Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintenance and storage of documentation.

Risk Analysis and Management

Methods and tools for identifying, assessing, and managing risks on a ship.

  • Risk Identification and Assessment Methods: Overview of methodologies and approaches.
  • Development of Risk Management Plans: Strategies and tactics.
  • Assessment of Risk Mitigation Measures Effectiveness: Criteria and evaluation metrics.

Maritime Accident and Incident Investigation

Procedures and methods for investigating maritime accidents and incidents.

  • Investigation Procedures and Methods: Key stages and techniques.
  • Evidence Collection and Analysis: Data handling methods.
  • Investigation Reports and Recommendations: Preparation and presentation of reports.

Emergency Operations and Planning

Planning and execution of emergency operations on a ship.

  • Preparation and Execution of Emergency Plans: Step-by-step guide.
  • Organizing Emergency Drills and Exercises: Conducting drills and exercises.
  • Crew Coordination during Emergencies: Roles and responsibilities of crew members.

Crew Training and Preparation

Organization and conduct of safety training for the crew.

  • Development of Training Programs: Content and structure of training programs.
  • Conducting Safety Briefings and Training: Methods and techniques of training.
  • Crew Competence and Knowledge Assessment: Criteria and assessment methods.

Environmental Protection

Requirements and standards for environmental protection applicable on a ship.

  • Key Environmental Protection Requirements and Standards: International and national norms.
  • Pollution Prevention Methods: Technologies and procedures.
  • Waste Management on Board a Ship: Systems and methods of management.

Practical Exercises and Scenarios

Practical exercises and training aimed at developing safety management skills.

  • Conducting Risk Identification and Assessment Training: Practical exercises and case analysis.
  • Emergency Situation Simulation and Crew Training: Simulations and practical exercises.
  • Practical Exercises in Maritime Incident Investigation: Real cases and incident analysis.

This course provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for the effective performance of the duties of a ship safety officer, ensuring high safety standards and compliance with international requirements.

Issuing certificates

Certificate of a qualified specialist.

Level of instructor-teachers

Course instructors are highly qualified and have significant experience working on various types of ships. All instructors have higher maritime education and have completed specialized courses in ship safety and operation. Regular professional development allows them to meet current standards. Their extensive practical experience and work in training centers ensure high-quality teaching and deep practical training for course participants. Instructors also hold international certificates and achievements, such as participation in international conferences and publications.

Compliance with international conventions

This course complies with the international standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is regulated by the following documents:

  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS-74), Chapter IX.
  • International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
  • IMO Resolution A.741(18).

Explanation of Standards

SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)

The convention aimed at setting minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships, compatible with their safety. The convention was originally adopted in 1974 and has been revised and supplemented multiple times since then.

  • Chapter IX (Chapter IX): Introduction of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code into mandatory application.

ISM Code (International Safety Management Code)

A code that establishes international standards for the safe management and operation of ships, as well as for pollution prevention. The code was adopted by the IMO and is mandatory for ships flying the flags of countries that have signed SOLAS.

  • ISM Code: Includes requirements for safety management systems that must be implemented by shipping companies and ships to ensure safety on board and prevent accidents and pollution.

IMO Resolution

IMO Resolution A.741(18) — This is a resolution adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which approves the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This resolution defines mandatory requirements for ships and shipping companies to implement and maintain a safety management system.

  • Resolution A.741(18): Includes a full description and requirements of the ISM Code, ensuring its official adoption and application internationally.

Material and technical support of the course

The course is conducted in classrooms equipped with all necessary equipment for theoretical and practical classes.

icon__wave

Ready to start your training?

Leave a request right now

AVANT
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.