Postgraduate Diploma in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing. 8 modules covering the PBIP/ISPS Code, the STCW Convention (Sections A-VI/5 and A-VI/6, security) and Moodle. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing — studying from South Africa
South Africa's coastline and ports make maritime engineering important, with the Port of Durban, the Port of Cape Town and the Port of Ngqura serving major trade flows. The South African Navy and Armscor support naval procurement, and shipbuilding and repair businesses operate along the coast. Offshore energy and marine services create additional demand, and the sports nautical sector serves recreational boating. The South African Maritime Safety Authority regulates shipping and marine safety.
Fees for South Africa: R 20 400 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any South African body. Marine and offshore work may involve bodies such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and ECSA for engineering registration. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them directly.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in naval and offshore industries?
Shipyards, offshore energy firms and marine design consultancies look mainly for certified competence, relevant experience and regulatory knowledge. A private qualification may complement these but will not replace formal certification. Its usefulness depends on each employer's assessment, so ask prospective employers how they would weigh it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You receive an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Confirm time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM before committing.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the security training requirements under the STCW Convention and the ISPS Code.
Design training activities tailored to each profile.
Plan security exercises and drills.
Apply the auditing principles of ISO 19011.
Audit a ship's or a facility's ISPS security system.
Write audit reports and manage corrective actions.
Promote a security culture based on continuous improvement.
Who it's for
- Maritime security auditor looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- Maritime security trainer looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- Company Security Officer (CSO) looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- Ship Security Officer (SSO) looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- Quality and compliance manager looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- ISPS consultant looking to specialise in ISPS/Code Training and Auditing.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter shipping companies.
What you'll work with
- PBIP/ISPS Code
- STCW Convention (Sections A-VI/5 and A-VI/6, security)
- ISO 19011 (guidelines for auditing management systems)
- IMO model courses 3.19, 3.20 and 3.21 (security officers)
- Regulation (EC) 725/2004
- ISO 10015 (competence management and people development)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Training requirements of the ISPS Code1.2Training of the PFSO, CSO and SSO1.3STCW Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/61.4Familiarisation of personnel with security duties1.5Training of personnel without specific security duties1.6IMO model courses 3.19, 3.20 and 3.211.7Approval of training centres1.8Recording and validity of training1.9Training of contractors and external personnel1.10Case study: training matrix for a port facility
2.1Training needs analysis2.2Learning objectives and competences2.3Adult learning methodologies2.4Face-to-face, online and blended training2.5Teaching materials and real cases2.6Threat awareness2.7Recognition of weapons and dangerous substances: a preventive approach2.8Detection of suspicious behaviour2.9Learning assessment2.10Workshop: designing a security awareness course
3.1ISPS Code requirements for exercises and drills3.2Frequency: quarterly and annual3.3Tabletop exercises3.4Full-scale drills3.5Joint ship–port exercises3.6Scenarios: intrusion, bomb threat, stowaways3.7Involvement of authorities3.8Safety during exercises3.9Records and evidence3.10Practice: script for an intrusion exercise
4.1Auditing principles under ISO 190114.2Types of audit: internal, external and second-party4.3Audit programme4.4Auditor competences4.5Independence and impartiality4.6Sampling and objective evidence4.7Interviews and observation4.8Findings and nonconformities4.9Confidentiality of security information4.10Case study: annual security audit programme
5.1Auditing the ship security plan5.2Auditing the port facility security plan5.3Verification of access controls5.4Verification of restricted areas5.5Review of mandatory records5.6Checking security equipment5.7Communications and declarations of security5.8Inspections by the Administration and the EU5.9Initial, intermediate and renewal verifications5.10Practice: ISPS audit checklist
6.1Writing the audit report6.2Classification of findings6.3Root cause analysis of deficiencies6.4Corrective action plans6.5Follow-up and closure of actions6.6Communication with management6.7Compliance indicators6.8Plan review after the audit6.9Management of sensitive information6.10Workshop: audit report with action plan
7.1Security culture and behaviour7.2Lessons learned from real incidents7.3Benchmarking between facilities7.4Integration with ISM, ISO 28000 and AEO7.5Cyber security in training7.6E-learning and simulation technologies7.7Evaluating training effectiveness (Kirkpatrick)7.8Motivation and recognition7.9Change management7.10Case study: Kirkpatrick evaluation of a training programme
8.1Facility diagnosis8.2Training needs matrix8.3Training programme design8.4Exercise schedule8.5Audit programme8.6Checklists8.7Monitoring indicators8.8Improvement plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100 % online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Moodle, advanced Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Forms, Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real internal audit procedures for ISPS Code systems, the design and delivery of security exercises, and the evaluation of training activities. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the security training requirements under the STCW Convention and the ISPS Code.
Design training activities tailored to each profile.
Plan security exercises and drills.
Apply the auditing principles of ISO 19011.
Audit an ISPS security system on a ship or in a facility.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Moodle, advanced Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Forms and Power BI. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma of your own upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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