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Key Facts: STCW Security Awareness Exam

A-VI/6-1

Governing STCW Table

STCW Code, Regulation VI/6 para 1

2014

Effective Date

2010 Manila amendments to STCW

3 levels

MARSEC Security Levels

ISPS Code / SOLAS XI-2

All seafarers

Required Audience on ISPS Ships

STCW Regulation VI/6

~4 hrs

Typical Course Length

IMO Model Course 3.27

1 July 2004

ISPS Code Entry into Force

SOLAS Chapter XI-2

100

Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep question bank

STCW Security Awareness (Table A-VI/6-1) is the largest-audience maritime-security credential because it is required for every seafarer on an ISPS-compliant ship who does not hold designated security duties. Added by the 2010 Manila amendments (effective 2014) and based on IMO Model Course 3.27, it is about four hours of theory commonly delivered online with a multiple-choice assessment and a provider pass mark near 70%. Content spans the maritime security framework (ISPS Code Parts A and B, SOLAS Chapter XI-2, ISSC, Ship Security Plan); the three MARSEC security levels and their shipboard impact; roles of the CSO, SSO, PFSO and Master's overriding authority; recognition of threats including weapons, dangerous substances and devices, piracy and armed robbery, stowaways, smuggling and cyber awareness; recognizing persons posing a risk; and security communications, reporting, the Ship Security Alert System, and contingency plans. The certificate is one-time, with no mandated refresher provided the seafarer continues to take part in shipboard ISPS drills and familiarization.

Sample STCW Security Awareness Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the STCW Security Awareness exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Security Awareness Training under STCW Table A-VI/6-1 is mandatory for which group of seafarers?
A.All seafarers employed in any capacity on a ship required to comply with the ISPS Code
B.Only deck officers holding a watchkeeping endorsement
C.Only seafarers carrying out designated security duties under the Ship Security Plan
D.Only the Ship Security Officer and the Master
Explanation: STCW Regulation VI/6 paragraph 1 requires all seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a ship subject to the ISPS Code, and without designated security duties, to receive security-awareness training meeting Table A-VI/6-1.
2The ISPS Code was made mandatory through which amendment to an existing IMO convention?
A.SOLAS Chapter IX (ISM Code)
B.SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security)
C.STCW Chapter VIII (Watchkeeping)
D.MARPOL Annex VI
Explanation: The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is given mandatory force through SOLAS Chapter XI-2, 'Special measures to enhance maritime security,' which entered into force on 1 July 2004.
3What does the abbreviation 'ISPS' stand for?
A.Integrated Shipboard Protection System
B.International Seafarer Protection Scheme
C.International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
D.International Safety and Port Security Standard
Explanation: ISPS stands for the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the mandatory framework establishing security requirements for ships and port facilities engaged in international trade.
4Which body is responsible for setting and communicating the security level applicable to ships flying its flag and to port facilities within its territory?
A.The Ship Security Officer
B.The classification society
C.The Company Security Officer
D.The Contracting Government (or its designated Administration/authority)
Explanation: Under SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code, Contracting Governments are responsible for setting security levels and ensuring the provision of security-level information to ships and port facilities under their jurisdiction.
5MARSEC (Security) Level 1 represents which condition?
A.The level at which the ship is exempt from all security measures
B.The level at which minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times
C.The level applied only when an incident is probable or imminent
D.The level requiring the ship to be evacuated
Explanation: Security Level 1 is the normal level at which minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times.
6MARSEC (Security) Level 2 is set when:
A.The ship is laid up and unmanned
B.Normal operations are taking place with no heightened risk
C.There is a heightened risk of a security incident, so additional protective measures are maintained for a period of time
D.A security incident is probable or imminent and further specific measures are required
Explanation: Security Level 2 applies when there is a heightened risk of a security incident, requiring appropriate additional protective security measures to be maintained for a period of time.
7Security Level 3, the highest level, is set when:
A.Minimum baseline measures are sufficient
B.The ship has just completed a successful security audit
C.Only additional measures for a limited period are needed
D.A security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target
Explanation: Security Level 3 is set when a security incident is probable or imminent, even if the specific target cannot be identified, and it calls for further specific protective security measures for a limited period.
8Who is the person on board the ship, accountable to the Master, designated as responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the Ship Security Plan?
A.The Ship Security Officer (SSO)
B.The Recognized Security Organization (RSO)
C.The Company Security Officer (CSO)
D.The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Explanation: The Ship Security Officer (SSO) is the person on board, 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.
9Which security official is shore-based and responsible for conducting the Ship Security Assessment and ensuring the Ship Security Plan is developed for the company's ships?
A.The Master
B.The Ship Security Officer (SSO)
C.The Company Security Officer (CSO)
D.The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Explanation: The Company Security Officer (CSO) is the shore-based person designated by the company to ensure a Ship Security Assessment is carried out and that a Ship Security Plan is developed, submitted for approval, implemented, and maintained.
10A seafarer who is not the SSO discovers an unattended bag in a passageway near the accommodation. The MOST appropriate first action is to:
A.Throw the bag overboard to remove any potential threat
B.Open the bag to identify the owner
C.Move the bag to the nearest store room out of the way
D.Not touch the bag and immediately report it to the SSO or the bridge
Explanation: An unattended or suspicious item should not be touched, opened, or moved; the correct security response is to keep clear and report it immediately through the ship's reporting chain to the SSO or bridge.

About the STCW Security Awareness Exam

STCW Security Awareness Training (Table A-VI/6-1) is the mandatory baseline maritime-security qualification required for all seafarers serving in any capacity on ships that must comply with the ISPS Code and who have no designated security duties. The standard was introduced by the 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code and took effect in 2014. Training is delivered by flag-State-approved centers, often fully online, and is roughly four hours of theory based on IMO Model Course 3.27. It covers the maritime security framework, security levels, threat recognition, and reporting, and is normally assessed by a short multiple-choice test.

Exam sponsor: IMO STCW Convention framework; delivered by flag-State-approved maritime training centers. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Course commonly about 4 hours; the assessment is short and provider-set

Passing Score

Provider-set, commonly around 70% on a short multiple-choice assessment

Exam / Certification Fees

No central exam fee; approved courses commonly cost about $25-$150 depending on provider and delivery mode

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Maritime Security Framework and Policy

ISPS Code Parts A and B, SOLAS Chapter XI-2, objectives of the security regime, responsibilities of Governments, companies and persons, security terms and definitions, the International Ship Security Certificate, and the Ship Security Plan.

20%

Security (MARSEC) Levels

Definitions and impact of Security Levels 1, 2 and 3 on shipboard and port measures, access control, searching, restricted areas, the ship-port interface, and the Declaration of Security.

15%

Security Roles and Responsibilities

Roles of the Company Security Officer, Ship Security Officer, Port Facility Security Officer, the Master's overriding authority, Recognized Security Organizations, the Ship Security Assessment, and port State control.

25%

Recognition of Security Threats

Weapons, dangerous substances and devices, techniques used to circumvent security measures, piracy and armed robbery, stowaways, drug smuggling and contraband, and basic cyber awareness.

7%

Persons and Behavioral Indicators

Recognizing persons posing potential security risks through behavioral indicators, hostile surveillance, tailgating, and insider-threat behavior, without unlawful profiling.

8%

Communications, Reporting and Contingency

Security reporting procedures, handling of security-related information, the Ship Security Alert System, security-related contingency plans, drills and exercises, and maintaining vigilance.

Preparing for the STCW Security Awareness Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Provider-set, commonly around 70% on a short multiple-choice assessment
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Course commonly about 4 hours; the assessment is short and provider-set
  • Exam / certification fees: No central exam fee; approved courses commonly cost about $25-$150 depending on provider and delivery mode Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

STCW Security Awareness: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the three MARSEC levels precisely: Level 1 is minimum measures at all times, Level 2 is additional measures for a heightened risk, and Level 3 is further specific measures when an incident is probable or imminent.
2Learn the security roles cold: the CSO works ashore for the company, the SSO implements the plan on board accountable to the Master, and the PFSO is responsible for the port facility. The Master holds overriding authority for safety and security.
3Anchor threat-recognition questions to the official list: weapons, dangerous substances and devices, techniques to circumvent security, piracy and armed robbery, stowaways, smuggling, and cyber awareness.
4Know the difference between piracy (high seas, outside any State's jurisdiction) and armed robbery against ships (within territorial waters) - the distinction is location, not weapons or attacker numbers.
5For suspicious-item and incident scenarios, the safe answer is almost always: do not touch or move it, do not endanger yourself, report through the proper channel to the SSO or bridge, and follow the contingency plan.
6Remember the key documents and systems: ISPS Code (Part A mandatory, Part B guidance), SOLAS XI-2, ISSC, Ship Security Plan, Declaration of Security, and the covert Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs STCW Security Awareness training?

It is mandatory for all seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on a ship required to comply with the ISPS Code who do not have designated security duties. This makes it the broadest maritime-security requirement, applying to deck, engine, and catering crew alike under STCW Regulation VI/6 and Table A-VI/6-1.

What is the difference between Table A-VI/6-1 and A-VI/6-2?

Table A-VI/6-1 is the basic security-awareness standard for seafarers without designated security duties. Table A-VI/6-2 is the higher standard for seafarers who are assigned designated security duties under the Ship Security Plan, requiring additional knowledge and proficiency beyond general awareness.

Is there one national STCW Security Awareness exam?

No. There is no single centralized exam with a fixed question count or national passing score. Flag-State-approved training centers deliver the course, often fully online, and assess it with a short end-of-course test, commonly multiple choice with a pass mark around 70%.

What are the three MARSEC security levels?

Security Level 1 is the normal level with minimum protective measures maintained at all times. Level 2 applies during a heightened risk, requiring additional measures for a period. Level 3 is set when an incident is probable or imminent, requiring further specific measures even if the exact target is unknown.

How long does STCW Security Awareness training take and what does it cost?

The course is commonly about four hours of theory based on IMO Model Course 3.27 and is frequently delivered fully online. Costs vary by provider and delivery mode but commonly fall in the range of roughly $25 to $150, with no separate central exam fee.

Does the Security Awareness certificate expire?

The awareness certificate is generally treated as a one-time qualification with no mandated periodic refresher, provided the seafarer continues to participate in the ship's ISPS security drills and familiarization. Always confirm specific requirements with your flag State and employer.

What regulation introduced this requirement?

Security-related training for seafarers was added by the 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code, with Regulation VI/6 and Table A-VI/6-1 specifying the security-awareness standard. The requirement became fully effective in 2014 and is built around the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2.