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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NIMASA STCW MSA Exam

70%

Passing Score

STCW Regulations

₦15,000

Exam Fee

NIMASA Tariffs

30 Min

Exam Time Limit

MTI Guidelines

No Expiry

Certificate Validity

STCW Code

3 Levels

Maritime Security Levels

ISPS Code

Table A-VI/6-1

STCW Table

STCW Convention

The NIMASA STCW Security Awareness exam is a mandatory safety assessment for seafarers without designated security duties, complying with STCW Table A-VI/6-1 and the ISPS Code. It requires a 70% passing score and covers ship security levels, SSO/CSO/PFSO roles, piracy and smuggling threat recognition, and security drills.

Sample NIMASA STCW MSA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NIMASA STCW MSA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code?

A.To regulate the wages, working hours, and living conditions of seafarers globally

B.To establish an international framework for detecting and assessing maritime security threats

C.To standardize maritime environmental protection regulations and oil spill responses

D.To manage the commercial cargo shipping rates and port customs tariffs

Explanation: The primary objective of the ISPS Code is to establish an international framework involving co-operation between Contracting Governments, government agencies, local administrations, and the shipping and port industries to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

2Following which major historical event was the ISPS Code drafted and subsequently adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?

A.The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States

B.The Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in Alaska in 1989

C.The Achille Lauro hijack incident in the Mediterranean in 1985

D.The Gulf War maritime blockade of oil tankers in 1990

Explanation: Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, the IMO agreed to develop security measures for ships and port facilities. This resulted in the drafting and adoption of the ISPS Code in December 2002, entering into force in July 2004 under SOLAS Chapter XI-2.

3Which Chapter of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) contains the legal framework and makes the ISPS Code mandatory?

A.Chapter II-1 (Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations)

B.Chapter V (Safety of navigation)

C.Chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security)

D.Chapter XII (Additional safety measures for bulk carriers)

Explanation: SOLAS Chapter XI-2 was adopted specifically to address special measures to enhance maritime security, making compliance with Parts A and B of the ISPS Code mandatory for all applicable vessels and port facilities.

4Which STCW regulation defines the minimum mandatory standards of competence in security awareness for seafarers?

A.STCW Table A-II/1 (Navigation at the operational level)

B.STCW Table A-VI/1-4 (Personal safety and social responsibilities)

C.STCW Table A-VI/6-1 (Security awareness training)

D.STCW Table A-VI/6-2 (Designated security duties)

Explanation: STCW Table A-VI/6-1 establishes the minimum standards of competence in security awareness training. This applies to all seafarers who do not have designated security duties on board commercial vessels.

5Who is designated on board a ship as having direct responsibility to the Master for the security of the vessel?

A.The Ship Security Officer (SSO)

B.The Company Security Officer (CSO)

C.The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

D.The Chief Engineer

Explanation: The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is the person on board the ship, accountable to the Master, designated by the Company as responsible for the security of the ship, including implementation and maintenance of the Ship Security Plan.

6Which entity is responsible under the ISPS Code for appointing the Ship Security Officer (SSO) for a commercial vessel?

A.The Port State Control Authority of the destination port

B.The shipping Company operating the vessel

C.The port facility where the vessel is docked

D.The local seafarers' union representing the crew

Explanation: The ISPS Code defines that the shipping Company is responsible for designating a Ship Security Officer (SSO) for each ship, in addition to a Company Security Officer (CSO).

7Under the ISPS Code, what does the 'Master's overriding authority' mean in terms of security?

A.The Master has the right to override any port state control cargo tariffs

B.The Master can ignore the Ship Security Plan if it conflicts with commercial schedules

C.The Master has the authority to make decisions regarding the safety and security of the ship without being constrained by the company or charterer

D.The Master can cancel the ship's insurance policies during a security emergency

Explanation: The ISPS Code explicitly states that the Master has the overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions with respect to the safety and security of the ship and to request the assistance of the Company or of any Contracting Government as necessary. This authority ensures safety and security always take precedence over commercial concerns.

8Which of the following is a primary duty of the Company Security Officer (CSO)?

A.Ensuring that a Ship Security Assessment (SSA) is carried out and a Ship Security Plan (SSP) is developed and approved for each ship

B.Standing watch at the gangway of the ship while it is in port

C.Providing medical treatment to crew members who fall ill on board

D.Conducting container searches at the port facility cargo terminal

Explanation: The CSO's responsibilities include ensuring that a Ship Security Assessment is carried out, that a Ship Security Plan is developed, submitted for approval, and thereafter implemented and maintained on board each ship in the fleet.

9Who is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)?

A.The Ship Security Officer (SSO)

B.The Company Security Officer (CSO)

C.The Chief Officer of the visiting ship

D.The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

Explanation: The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is designated for each port facility and is responsible for the development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan, and for liaison with the Ship Security Officers.

10What is the name of the confidential document developed to protect the ship, cargo, and crew, which must be approved by the flag State administration or an approved Recognized Security Organization (RSO)?

A.The Safety Management Manual (SMM)

B.The Ship Security Plan (SSP)

C.The Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH)

D.The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)

Explanation: The Ship Security Plan (SSP) is a confidential plan developed to ensure the application of measures on board the ship designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ship's stores, or the ship from the risks of a security incident.

About the NIMASA STCW MSA Exam

Prepare for the NIMASA STCW Security Awareness exam (Maritime Security Awareness - MSA). Master international maritime security policy, ISPS Code requirements, ship security levels, and threats including piracy.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

30 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

₦15,000 (Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA))

NIMASA STCW MSA Exam Content Outline

25%

Introduction and Policy

Basic working knowledge of maritime security terminology, international policy, the ISPS Code, and roles of the SSO, CSO, and PFSO.

25%

Maritime Security Threats

Recognizing security threats such as piracy, armed robbery, smuggling of weapons/contraband, stowaways, refugees, and sabotage.

25%

Ship Security Actions & Measures

Understanding Ship Security Levels (1, 2, and 3), security procedures, access control, restricted areas, deck patrols, and search techniques.

25%

Weapons, Emergency Response & Drills

Recognition of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices; knowledge of emergency security reporting, contingency plans, and drills.

How to Pass the NIMASA STCW MSA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 30 questions
Time limit: 30 minutes
Exam fee: ₦15,000

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NIMASA STCW MSA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the three Security Levels: Level 1 is normal, Level 2 is heightened risk, and Level 3 is imminent threat.

2Understand the key roles: Ship Security Officer (SSO) on board, Company Security Officer (CSO) in the office, and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) at the port.

3Know the primary purpose of the ISPS Code: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, created post-9/11 to establish a risk-evaluation framework.

4Recognize security threats: remain vigilant for piracy, armed robbery, stowaways, smuggling, and suspicious packages.

5Understand seafarer responsibilities: even without designated security duties, every crew member must report suspicious activities and participate in security drills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the NIMASA STCW Security Awareness exam?

The passing score is 70%. Trainees must successfully pass a written theoretical multiple-choice assessment at the end of their course at an accredited Maritime Training Institute.

Who must take the Maritime Security Awareness (MSA) course?

All seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board commercial ships to which the ISPS Code applies, who do not have designated security duties, must take this training.

How long is the STCW Security Awareness certificate valid?

Unlike other STCW basic safety certificates, the Security Awareness (MSA) certificate does not have an international expiration date under current STCW regulations, although refresher training is encouraged.

What are the three Maritime Security Levels defined under the ISPS Code?

Security Level 1 (normal, standard protective measures), Security Level 2 (heightened, additional protective measures due to a heightened risk of a security incident), and Security Level 3 (exceptional, specific protective measures maintained for a limited period when a security incident is probable or imminent).