Course Content
Course Overview and Objectives
This topic introduces the objectives and scope of the PSSR course and explains its importance for seafarers.
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Course Overview and Objectives
Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
This topic focuses on the importance of safe working practices onboard ships. It explains how seafarers can identify hazards, follow safety procedures, and adopt correct work methods to prevent accidents and injuries while working at sea.
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Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
This topic focuses on the practical application of safety procedures during shipboard operations and the importance of following established rules to maintain a safe working environment.
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Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
This topic explains the basic structure of a ship, important work areas onboard, and commonly used shipboard terms to help seafarers understand their working environment.
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Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
This topic introduces the various types of ships used in the maritime industry and explains the nature of cargoes they carry, along with a basic understanding of cargo handling operations onboard.
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Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
This topic explains the features of general cargo ships, the types of cargo they carry, and the basic operational practices followed during cargo handling onboard.
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General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
This topic explains the design and operational features of multi-functional cargo ships, their ability to carry different types of cargo, and the basic cargo handling practices followed onboard.
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Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
This topic explains the design, characteristics, and development of bulk carrier ships, along with the nature of solid bulk cargo transported by these vessels.
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Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
Ro-Ro Ships
This topic explains the concept and design of Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships, the types of wheeled and tracked cargo they carry, and the cargo handling arrangements such as ramps and deck configurations used onboard.
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Ro-Ro Ships
Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
This topic explains the different types of oil tankers, their classification based on cargo and size, special tanker operations, and the structural features designed to ensure safety during the transportation of liquid cargo.
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Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Combination carriers are specially designed merchant ships capable of transporting different types of cargo such as ore, dry bulk, and oil at different stages of their voyage. These ships provide operational flexibility by allowing ship operators to avoid empty return voyages and improve overall efficiency.
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Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas

Ship familiarization is an essential process to ensure that seafarers can safely and effectively perform their duties onboard. Companies operating ships covered under the STCW Convention are required to establish clear policies and written instructions for the master of each vessel. These instructions ensure that all newly employed seafarers are given sufficient time and opportunity to become familiar with the ship, its equipment, operating procedures, and safety arrangements before being assigned any duties.

Responsibilities of the Company

The company must ensure that proper familiarization procedures are in place, which include:

  • Allocating a reasonable period for newly employed seafarers to become acquainted with the ship

  • Ensuring familiarity with specific equipment that the seafarer will use or operate

  • Providing knowledge of ship-specific watchkeeping, safety, environmental protection, security, and emergency procedures relevant to assigned duties

  • Designating a knowledgeable crew member responsible for guiding newly employed seafarers and providing essential information in a language they understand

Responsibilities of the Master

The master of the ship is responsible for implementing company instructions related to familiarization. This includes:

  • Identifying all newly employed seafarers before assigning them any duties

  • Providing opportunities for newly arrived seafarers to:

    • Visit the areas where their primary duties will be carried out

    • Become familiar with the location, controls, and display features of equipment they will use

    • Operate equipment where possible and practice basic functions

    • Observe experienced personnel and ask questions in a language they understand

  • Ensuring a suitable period of supervision if there is any doubt about a seafarer’s level of familiarity

Safety Familiarization Training

Before being assigned to shipboard duties, all persons employed or engaged on a seagoing ship (other than passengers) must receive approved safety familiarization training or sufficient instruction to enable them to:

  • Communicate with others onboard on basic safety matters

  • Understand safety signs, symbols, and alarm signals

  • Know the correct actions to take when:

    • A person falls overboard

    • Fire or smoke is detected

    • Fire or abandon ship alarms are sounded

  • Identify muster stations, embarkation stations, and emergency escape routes

  • Locate and correctly don lifejackets

  • Raise the alarm and understand the basic use of portable fire extinguishers

  • Take immediate action in the event of an accident or medical emergency before seeking further assistance

  • Operate fire, weathertight, and watertight doors fitted on the ship

Basic Training Requirements

Seafarers assigned safety or pollution-prevention duties must receive approved basic training or instruction before undertaking shipboard duties. This training includes:

  • Personal survival techniques

  • Fire prevention and fire fighting

  • Elementary first aid

  • Personal safety and social responsibilities

Onboard Training and Competence

Parties may accept onboard training and experience to maintain required standards of competence in areas such as:

  • Donning lifejackets

  • Boarding survival craft while wearing a lifejacket

  • Taking actions to improve survival chances in a lifeboat

  • Streaming sea anchors or drogues

  • Operating survival craft equipment and location devices, including radio equipment

  • Using self-contained breathing apparatus

  • Conducting rescue operations in smoke-filled spaces using approved equipment

Responsibilities of Crew Members

Seafarers newly assigned to a ship must actively make use of every opportunity provided to become familiar with the ship’s equipment, procedures, and working arrangements. Upon joining a vessel, each seafarer is responsible for understanding the ship’s working environment, especially when dealing with new or unfamiliar equipment and procedures.

If a seafarer feels that they have not achieved the required level of familiarity to safely perform their duties, they must immediately inform their supervisor or the designated crew member. Any equipment, procedure, or arrangement that remains unfamiliar should be clearly identified and addressed without delay.

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