Course catalogue

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.

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.

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.

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.

Research shows that 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their lives, and 1 in 6 will experience mental health problems in the workplace. In fact, work pressures are commonly cited as being the number one contributor to stress. Mental health problems are often covered up through fear of discrimination, and a culture of fear and silence can make things very much worse - and be extremely costly for employers. Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Level 1 is a 100% online training course designed to raise awareness of mental health issues and help the learner to spot symptoms in themselves or others.

Early intervention can make a huge difference, and this course helps the learner to understand the different types of problems that exist, what the symptoms may be, and what the best steps are to begin helping the individual onto the road of healing. This level 1 qualification is targeted to people in an organisation who may not have a supervisory position, however they will still have a duty of care both towards themselves and towards their work colleagues. The course outlines how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and how to provide help on a first aid basis. Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions because these can only be performed by professionals, but it will teach people to assist others by listening, reassuring, and responding.

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.

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.

Research shows that 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their lives, and 1 in 6 will experience mental health problems in the workplace. In fact, work pressures are commonly cited as being the number one contributor to stress. Mental health problems are often covered up through fear of discrimination, and a culture of fear and silence can make things very much worse - and be extremely costly for employers. Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Level 1 is a 100% online training course designed to raise awareness of mental health issues and help the learner to spot symptoms in themselves or others.

Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Level 2 is a 100% online training course designed to raise awareness of mental health issues, help the learner to spot symptoms in themselves or others, and outline what steps are to be taken to help those in need and to improve the working environment. This level 2 qualification is targeted to supervisors or team leaders in an organisation who have responsibilities and duty of care over the general health and wellbeing of colleagues. The course outlines how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, how to provide help on a first aid basis, and when to escalate the level of care or even seek professional help. It also covers how to identify drug or alcohol abuse and what to do about it, and how to improve the working environment so that it is a place of inclusion and openness, rather than a source of fear and stress.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey show that the number of individuals classed as lone workers has been steadily growing, and that as many as 150 lone workers are attacked every single day in the UK. Employees working alone may be left in a situation where they are unable to alert someone for help in the case of an accident, confrontation, or sudden illness - so it’s important that these specific risks are identified early, and effectively controlled.

The course covers the main hazards, applicable legislation, risk assessment, risk reduction measures and key responsibilities of the individual.

Strict regulations and procedures exist for the safe and efficient operation of ships and yachts - and UK regulations and procedures may differ from those you may be familiar with in other flag vessels. This guide mainly deals with issues specific to yachts, such as operations and manning standards, and what to do about them.

This online course will help you to comply with UK requirements by focusing on the guidelines set out in 'A Master's Guide to the UK Flag (Large Yacht Edition 3)', 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. 

Starting a new life as a student in a new and different city or country is very exciting, and while most students will have a perfectly safe and crime-free experience, it is a fact that one third of students will be a victim of crime of one sort or another during their time at college or university. The most common crimes are theft and robbery, followed by incidents involving violent physical or sexual assault. Statistics show that an estimated 20 per cent of student robberies/muggings occur in the first six weeks of the academic year, when students are distracted with settling in.  

By far the best defence is to always use common sense and awareness when in any situation, therefore this course aims to instill in the candidate an awareness that will keep them, their property, and the people around them, safe. The knowledge and preparation gained from this course can help a student to navigate their way confidently into their new life and dramatically reduce the probability of becoming a victim of crime.

The global threat of kidnap and extortion is a cause of concern for governments, law enforcement agencies and communities around the world. Many international businesses adhere to the 'duty of care' principle by providing their employees who travel regularly on business with anti-kidnap awareness training such as our CPD Approved, online Anti-Kidnap Awareness Training (AKAT) Course. This assists in the risk mitigation of a kidnap-type event by providing the learner with an in-depth insight into the levels of awareness required to maintain a 'safe environment'.

The Anti-Kidnap Awareness Training eLearning Course is aimed at those persons who either work- or live-in environments where the threat of abduction is high or are potential targets of such acts. 

This course has been written by subject matter experts hailing from UK Elite Military Units, highly experienced at operating in high-risk environments for Private Security & Private Military Companies (PSC & PMC). 

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.

Just about everyone knows that young people just love to travel. It is a means of expressing themselves, discovering who they are, and a fantastic means of exposing them to different cultures, societies, and ways of life. It is also common knowledge that there are, and always will be inherent risks that accompany young people whilst they are travelling away from the security of family and home. For example, in Australia, more than 38,000 people go missing each year. Whilst most of these are located within a short time period, there remain as many as 2,600 missing for more than 3 months.

The Online Travel Security Awareness for Students & Young People Overseas Course has been specifically written for young people travelling or working overseas during gap years, student exchange programmes, working with NGO's and Charities or simply backpacking around the world. 

The course covers most areas that need to be considered in order to assist in the mitigation of the risk of a security-related incident. The course also covers topics relevant to safety issues, including emergency response planning and measures. Learners should understand that this course cannot guarantee you a risk-free experience, but it will build on your current personal security knowledge and risk mitigation skills.

Worldwide incidents of Cyber Attack on shipping are rising dramatically every year, and vessel vulnerability to these attacks is also on the increase - as systems become more and more automated and connected. Whether carrying cargo, passengers or vehicles, ships are becoming more dependent on the use of digital and communications technologies throughout their operational lifespans. As shipping systems become more and more complex, so does their vulnerability to attacks from cyber criminals, who have demonstrated the ability to penetrate the systems used by the maritime industry, with potentially disastrous consequences to life, property, and the environment.

The ‘Cyber Security Awareness for Vessels' course examines the Cyber Security threats that exist, both generally and specifically within the maritime environment. The course examines the weaknesses that there may be in ship IT and OT systems, and how they may be exploited - and then goes on to look at the measures that can be taken to mitigate and defend against these types of threats.

Attacks against Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in high-risk conflict zones have increased exponentially over the last two decades. NGOs increasingly work in the field, providing humanitarian relief and development assistance in countries around the world. As they carry out their work, they face many serious problems. Governments or rebel groups deny them access to those in need, corrupt officials or warlords demand payoffs, and local violence threatens the safety and even the lives of field personnel.

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)

Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, insect stings, medications, and latex. If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptom.

From the moment you know or suspect that you or someone else has ingested an allergen, action must be taken immediately. Even mild symptoms can quickly progress to a severe reaction, or anaphylaxis. You should be watchful and prepared to give medication (adrenaline / epinephrine). It is important for every person with life-threatening food allergies to have an individualised food allergy action plan.

Properly managed, identified and treated, anaphylactic shock need not be a life-threatening condition.

This course provides you with training and awareness in this potentially severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. This course can be used for induction training, general information & knowledge, refresh training or basic training, with the aim to create a safe environment for all people with allergies.