Ship Security Officer [SSO]
SSO Course Description
The SSO Course is a 3-day mandatory training for officers aiming to become Ship Security Officers. Approved by D.G. Shipping and based on the latest STCW guidelines, this course covers:
Ship security duties and responsibilities.
Risk assessment and use of security equipment.
Ship Security Plan and threat response.
Emergency drills and preparedness
The SSO course focuses on practical security skills and emergency preparedness, ensuring that seafarers are well-equipped to handle security challenges at sea. If you are a person responsible for the security duties such as designated person ashore, technical superintendent, nautical superintendent, etc.
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SSO Course Near You

The SSO course is offered by 44 DG Shipping-approved institutes across India, including locations in: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Haryana, and Kerala.
With this STCW Course portal, you can find SSO Courses in Mumbai, or even SSO courses in Chennai also. No more wasting time surfing websites, or calling colleges.
Search and Book your STCW Course Here.
Ship Security Officer Course Eligibility
To attend the SSO Course, you need to clear all of the points mentioned below.
Sea-Service Requirement
Must have 12 months of sea service with Deck or Engine Officer's CoC.
Copy of your CoC.
In absence of CoC, you need to have CDC with stamp pages.
Medical Fitness
Must be medically fit as per the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
A medical fitness certificate from an approved doctor is required.
Vision and hearing should meet the required standards.
Nationality & Identity Proof
Valid passport or national identity document (as per country regulations).
No Criminal Record
Some training institutes may require a police clearance certificate if you had any record of offense.
E-Learning Requirements
As per DG Shipping Guidelines, candidates can only appear for the final examination (Exit Exam/Institute Exam) after successfully completing the E-Learning Module of the course.
Documents Required for SSO Course
To apply for the SSO course you need a list of documents such as:
BST STSDSD Course Certificate
CDC with a proof of 12-month sea service.
Valid Medical Certificate by a DG Shipping Approved Doctor. (Click here for the list of DGS Approved Doctors)
A valid passport
SSO Course Details
The SSO course equips seafarers with the essential knowledge and skills required for handling security challenges on board ships. The training covers:
Maritime Security Policies
International conventions, codes & regulations.
Government legislation & legal responsibilities
Handling sensitive security-related information
Security Responsibilities
Roles of Ship Security Officer (SSO), Company Security Officer (CSO), Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Responsibilities of contracting governments, shipowners, crew, and port personnel.
Ship Security Assessment
Risk assessment methodology
Security assessment tools & documentation
On-scene security surveys
Security Equipment
Use & operational limitations of security equipment
Testing, calibration, and maintenance procedures
Threat Identification, Recognition & Response
Detecting weapons, dangerous substances, and suspicious persons.
Physical search techniques and security screening methods.
Crowd management and security breach prevention.
Emergency Preparedness, Drills & Exercises
Security contingency planning
Conducting and assessing security drills
This DG Shipping-approved course ensures seafarers are fully prepared to handle ship security effectively, enhancing maritime safety and security preparedness.
SSO Course Fees
SSO course fees depend on college to college. The fees for Ship Security Officer course fees can vary from ₹2,000 – ₹7,500. To get the Ship Security Officer Course at the lowest price, you can check our STCW Course Finder Portal.
Complete Process for SSO Exit Exam
1. E-Learning Requirements for SSO Exit Exam
Minimum Study Hours: 12 hours
Passing Marks: 60%
2. Steps to Complete E-Learning:
Visit the DG Shipping website and access the e-learning portal.
Click on Modular Courses, enroll in SSO, and log in with face verification.
Complete the required e-learning hours and attempt the assessment exam.
Upon passing, candidates become eligible for 6-day classroom training at a DG Shipping-approved MTI.
After classroom training, candidates must take the SSO Exit Exam on the DG Shipping website.
3. Exit Exam Details
Total Questions: 30
Duration: 30 minutes
Passing Marks: 18
Marks per Question: 1
Mandatory to Attempt: All questions
For better preparation, candidates can access previously asked questions on our website and practice before the exam.
4. SSO Exit Exam Questions
Practice Exit Exam Questions for your SSO course and ensure 100% passing result in your SSO exit exam.
What are you waiting for, click on the link , enroll now and start your preparation.
How to download SSO Course Certificate?
After completing E-Learning, Offline Training, and Exit Exam, the MTI generates the SSO certificate.
The certificate can be downloaded through the Indos CoP Checker on the DG Shipping website.
What is the SSO Course Validity
The SSO certificate is valid indefinitely. There is no expiry date for the certificate of SSO Course.
Facing issues with E-Learning, course enrollment, certificate download, or DCE application? Let us help!
In the last 4 years, we have compiled all the common problems faced by a seafarer with respect to DCE, INDos, E-Pariksha, STCW Courses, CDC, SID, CoC , CoP and E-Governance. Please use our DG Problem Solver Portal and get queries to all your answers in one place.
