Course catalogue

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at all personnel on any type of vessel.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

Learners will understand the effects of fatigue, and the regulatory requirements for ensuring personnel remain well-rested.

How will the course benefit my company?

Employees will be able to recall the requirements for hours of work and rest, as per MLC requirements, and the effects of non-compliance.

What standards are referenced in the course?

•    Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
•    Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 as amended
•    International Safety Management (ISM) Code
•    MSC Circular 1598, Guidelines on Fatigue

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%.

Who is the course for?

Deck & Engine officers.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge to describe how to improve teamwork and employee engagement, give examples of leading through difficult times and describe how to facilitate conflict resolution.

How will the course benefit my company?

This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge to be leaders with excellent leadership skills that can promote teamwork, to have an empowered and collaborating crew and reduce the risk of accidents.

What standards are referenced in the course?

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code

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%.

Who is the course for?

All crew/personnel who are assigned rescue or fast rescue boat duties onboard.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required.

How will the course benefit me?

This course will provide learners with awareness in rescue or fast rescue boat operations.

How will the course benefit my company?

The course will ensure that learners are following best practices as detailed in relevant legislation and company procedures.

What standards are referred to in this course?

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code – safety and pollution prevention, emergency procedures including use of the Rescue Boat.

• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code

• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

Is there an assessment?

Yes. Course assessment has 2 attempts with a 70% pass mark.

Who is this course for?

This course is for vessel masters, engineers and other shipboard personnel handling oil or chemicals.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will this course benefit me?

This course will make you aware of the actions to take when reporting an oil pollution incident as required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and how to reduce or control the discharge of oil or chemicals following a spill.

How will this course benefit my company?

This course aims to provide learners with an overview of the procedures to be followed by the Vessel Master, or other persons in charge of a ship, when reporting an oil pollution incident, as required under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) through the use of a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). It provides an overview of the actions to be taken by personnel on board to reduce or control the discharge of oil or chemicals following a spill; and the procedures and points of contact for coordinating shipboard reporting actions with national and local authorities.

What standards are referred to in this course?

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for 

   Seafarers (STCW)

• Oil Pollution Action (OPA) (US)

Is there an assessment?

Yes

Who is this course for?

All seafarers and shipboard personnel who require an overview of environmental management and ISO 14001.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will this course benefit me?

This course aims to provide learners with an introduction to ISO 14001 and environmental management in the maritime industry.

How will this course benefit my company?

Environmentally aware personnel can help to reduce the environmental impacts of operations and contribute to improved environmental performance.

What standards are referred to in this course?

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS Convention)

International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)

Is there an assessment?

Yes

Who is the course for?

All deck and engine crew involved in bunkering operations.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

By providing you with an understanding of the bunkering hazards and processes, enabling you to competently participate in bunkering operations.

How will the course benefit my company?

By ensuring all crew involved in bunkering operations has a common understanding of the risk and control measures in place reducing the risk for incidents.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code

• ISO 8217:2024 Products from petroleum, synthetic and renewable sources — Fuels (class F) — Specifications of marine fuels

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

• BIMCO & IBIA Bunkering Guide

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

• IMO Resolution MSC.286(86) – Recommendations for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for MARPOL Annex I Oil Cargo and Oil Fuel

• IMO MEPC.1/Circ.508 Bunker Delivery Note and Fuel Oil Sampling

• IMO MEPC.1/Circ.875/Add.1 Guidance on Best Practice for Fuel Oil Suppliers for Assuring the Quality of Fuel Oil Delivered to Ships

• IMO MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18 Guidelines for the Sampling of Fuel Oil for Determination of Compliance with MARPOL Annex VI and SOLAS Chapter II-2

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%.

Who is the course for?

Deck Officers, Maintenance Ratings and Able Seamen.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

The course provides an introduction to the different types of hatch covers used on bulk carriers (including folding, side rolling, lift away, piggy-back, single flap and stacking), and their inspection and maintenance.

How will the course benefit my company?

Personnel will have a greater understanding of the different types of hatch covers (including folding, side rolling, lift away, piggy-back, single flap and stacking) used onboard, and the importance of inspecting and maintaining them.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

• The International Convention on Load Lines

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%.

Who is the course for?

Personnel who have the responsibility for carrying out hazard identification and risk assessments in the workplace.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course. 

How will the course benefit me?

By providing learners with hazard identification awareness, which will enable them to evaluate hazards quickly and effectively.

How will the course benefit my company?

By providing personnel with the knowledge to quickly identify hazards and implement controls to manage them and promote safety in the workplace.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code

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%.

Who is the course for?

This course is for seafarers who are involved in tank cleaning and wall wash operation on board vessels.

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 awareness of tank cleaning and wall wash, as well as an overview of confined space entry and gas testing procedures.

How will the course benefit my company?

The course will benefit companies by ensuring learners understand the importance of confined space entry and tank cleaning procedures and, in turn, will reduce related incidents.

What standards are referenced in the course?

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

The International Bulk Chemical Code (BC) Code

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%.

Who is this course for?
Any members of management, supervisor and shipboard management responsible for ballast water.

Is previous experience required?
You do not need any prior knowledge or experience to complete this course.

How will this course benefit me?
The primary goal of this course are awareness and knowledge of Ballast Water Management in accordance with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, referred to as the BWM Convention.

How will this course benefit my company?
By ensuring you are familiar with the best practices related to Ballast Water Management.

What standards are referred to in this course?
In compliance with IMOs Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) 2004 and industry best practice, and complying with US trade and US Coast Guard.

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%.

Who is the course for?

All maritime personnel.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

This course will provide you with guidance and useful techniques to help you carry out effective toolbox talks.

How will the course benefit my company?

Communication is vital to workplace safety. This course aims to provide personnel with the knowledge and techniques required to carry out effective toolbox talks.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code

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%.

Who is the course for?

Personnel requiring knowledge or awareness of hot work hazards and controls.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

This course aims to provide learners with an awareness of best practice in relation to hot work.

How will the course benefit my company?

By ensuring you are aware of best practice in relation to hot work at sea.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• International Safey Management (ISM) Code

• Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP)

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%.

Who is this course for?

All relevant ship or shore-based personnel requiring an introduction to ship safety equipment and procedures.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will this course benefit me?

This course aims to identify the conventions and regulations related to ship safety and to describe the safety issues related to the structural integrity and stability of ships.

How will this course benefit my company?

By providing personnel with a general understanding of ship safety enabling them to competently identify the required safety regulations.

What standards are referred to in this course?

• The ISM Code

• The STCW

• The SOLAS Convention

• MARPOL

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%.

Who is the course for?

This course is for personnel who are required to carry out welding operations in the maritime industry.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required to complete this course.

How will the course benefit me?

This course will give a basic overview of industry best practice in relation to welding operations in the maritime industry.

How will the course benefit my company?

This course will provide personnel with a basic overview of industry best practice in relation to safety in welding operations.

What standards are referenced in the course?

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

• IMO MSC/Circular 1084 Principles for Hot Work on board all Types of Ships

Is there an assessment?

Yes

Who is this course for?
Deck Officers and Deck Crew who are involved in using the Emergency Towing Systems (ETS)

Is previous experience required?
No previous experience is required to complete this course. 

How will this course benefit me?
This course aims to provide learners with an introduction to Emergency Towing Systems (ETS) in the Maritime Industry.

How will this course benefit my company?

The course will benefit companies by ensuring that all possible precautions are taken to reduce injury to personnel whilst using the ETS.

What standards are referred to in this course?

• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

• IMO resolution MSC. 35(63) 

• IMO Resolution MSC. 132(75)

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%.

Who is the course for?

Any personnel operating galley equipment, such as Cooks or Stewards.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required.

How will the course benefit me?

By providing you with clear guidance for the safe operation of galley equipment to minimise the chance of injury or damage.

How will the course benefit my company?

By minimising the risk for galley equipment related accidents and increasing the safety of a crucial part of each vessel.

What standards are referenced in the course?

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

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%.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at executives and managers to help them understand the strategic importance of CSR, align it with business goals, and make informed decisions related to sustainability and social responsibility.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required.

How will the course benefit me?

Learners will acquire a thorough understanding of CSR principles and practices across social, environmental and governance dimensions. Participants will gain insights into global sustainability considerations, ensuring that they are well-informed about the broader impact of corporate activities.

How will the course benefit my company?

The course addresses undesirable activities and provides guidelines on ethical decision-making, helping a company mitigate potential legal, financial and reputational risks.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

• The International Labour Organization – ILO – Core Conventions

• The United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

• The Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI)

Is there an assessment?

Exam in TP with 80% pass mark with two attempts. 

Who is the course for?

All personnel involved in ship steel maintenance.

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 overview of corrosion management onboard ships.

How will the course benefit my company?

By ensuring that personnel are familiar with the of corrosion management systems, an ISM requirement.

What standards are referenced in the course?

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code

• The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP-UK MCA)

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%.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at employees working in the US or subject to OSHA regulations.

Is previous experience required?

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

How will this course benefit me?

This course aims to provide an overview of an employee’s right to implement their stop work authority.

How will this course benefit my company?

By ensuring you are aware of an employee’s right to implement their stop work authority.

What standards are referred to in this course?

Workers’ Right to Refuse Dangerous Work

Is there an assessment?

Yes - Trainingportal assessment with an 80% pass mark and two attempts.

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:

• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) 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.

Passmark: 65%