How Do I Become a Vessel Security Officer?

A vessel security officer ensures the safety of passengers and crew members aboard a ship. Before you become a vessel security officer, you may want to consider serving in certain branches of the armed forces. Working at a customs bureau could also give you experience that might be helpful in your future job search. Taking college courses dealing with law enforcement may provide you with the training you need to land one of these security jobs. Many companies require you to have reliable references and a clean criminal background before being hired.

Serving in the Navy or Coast Guard could give you experience that will help you become a vessel security officer, because while you are assigned to a ship, you may perform security checks from time to time. Military service can also give you experience in carrying firearms, and this might also be helpful in this occupation. Many times, a security guard onboard a ship works closely with customs officials, allowing you to gain some valuable experience. You may also be able to network with companies that hire crew members for various watercrafts. Knowing the right employers could help you become a vessel security officer over other candidates because these hiring managers will already be familiar with your experience and reputation.

You may want to consider studying homeland security or criminal justice at a local college. This can help you develop the skills you need to become a vessel security officer because you can learn about international laws and how to conduct investigations. Some of the things you may want to study include drug enforcement laws, self-defense, and how to preserve evidence. An associate's degree could help you land an entry-level position, but a bachelor's degree might be best if you are looking for a supervisory one.

It is important to choose private security guards who have high moral standards and an excellent work ethic because applicants are likely to interact very closely with passengers and cargo. Before you become a vessel security officer, you may need to undergo a rigorous background check. At this phase of the employment process, relatives and former employers are normally contacted so the company can learn more about how reliable you might be once hired. This phase could take anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on how easy it is to contact the references you listed. During this time, police records are normally checked to make sure you do not have any criminal convictions that might make it dangerous for you to carry firearms.