Virsec

What Virsec does

Virsec Ltd is a UK-based, privately held online training provider specialising in regulated maritime e-learning, headquartered in Manchester. The company delivers STCW and ISPS-aligned security training — Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA), Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD), and Ship Security Officer (SSO) — across merchant vessel, luxury yacht, cruise/passenger vessel, and port sectors, holding multi-flag approvals from the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Liberian Registry (LISCR), and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Courseware is delivered through the Absorb-powered LMS at virseclms.org, with iOS and Android mobile apps enabling offline study for seafarers at sea; AI-driven invigilation (IRIS) is deployed on awarding-body-mandated assessments.

The catalog extends well beyond core security training into cyber security, electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery safety, seafarer mental health (Levels 1 and 2), bullying and sexual harassment prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, hazardous materials, risk assessment, and port security. Virsec also operates Maritime English Tests (METs) across six role tiers, and a personal security track for NGOs, lone workers, campus safety, and travel security delivered via its Special Projects Group partnership. A USCG-approved Crowd Management course is delivered in partnership with Resolve Maritime Academy.

Revenue is generated through one-time course licences priced between £19.50 and £475+VAT, plus ancillary fees for course access extensions (30–90 days at 30–50% of original price), hard copy certificates (£30+VAT), and urgent out-of-hours certificate processing (£40+VAT). Distribution combines a self-serve e-commerce storefront (Stripe/PayPal/WorldPay) for individuals with a phone-based enterprise sales line (+44 (0)161 763 4427) and an affiliate/reseller/partner channel for bulk licensing. The company reports reach into more than 130 countries, is recognised as a UK Government Export Champion, and describes itself as award-winning, but discloses no revenue, headcount trend, or external funding.

Name

Virsec

Legal name

VIRSEC Ltd

Website

https://virsec.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Virsec is a UK-based, privately held online training provider delivering multi-flag approved maritime e-learning — including STCW/ISPS security courses — to seafarers, shipping companies, superyacht and cruise operators, ports, and NGOs across 130+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Training Services

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maritime Cybersecurity & OT Security Compliance (IMO 2021, Port OT) (TLAHANAJ), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF), Ship & Port Security Audits, Inspections & Certification (Flag/Class/PSC Support) (TLAHANAD)

Keywords

• Maritime e-learning
• STCW security training
• Online maritime courses
• Maritime English testing
• Ship security officer

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Sales: One-time course purchases ranging from £19.50 to £475+VAT depending on course type and duration. Course access is granted for 6 months from purchase date.
2. Course Extensions: Additional access license extensions available for courses approaching expiry: 30 days (30% of original price), 60 days (40%), 90 days (50%).
3. Hard Copy Certificates: Hard copy certificate processing for MCA-approved courses at £30 GBP (+VAT) standard charge, with SSO course certificates provided free of charge.
4. Urgent Certificate Processing: Expedited certificate issuance outside normal office hours (weekends, Bank Holidays) subject to £40 GBP (+VAT) administrative fee.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

VIRSEC Ltd delivers fully online, multi-flag approved maritime security and safety training courses (STCW ISPS-compliant PSA, PDSD, and SSO courses; cyber security; lithium-ion and electric vehicle safety; seafarer welfare; personal security; and Maritime English Testing) to individual seafarers and enterprise maritime clients worldwide. Course content is hosted on an Absorb-powered LMS (virseclms.org) with AI-proctored assessment invigilation (IRIS) and offline mobile access. Pricing operates on a 6-month access licence per course, sold individually or as bulk enterprise licences through a direct sales channel and approved partners.

Product overview

Virsec is an award-winning online maritime training platform offering a portfolio of e-learning courses across multiple awarding bodies (MCA, USCG, LISCR, ABS, VIRSEC Certificate of Completion, and Special Projects Group). The core offering centres on STCW ISPS Maritime Security Training — including PSA (Proficiency in Security Awareness), PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties), and SSO (Ship Security Officer) courses — across merchant vessel, luxury yacht, cruise ship, and passenger vessel sectors. This core is complemented by a broad range of supplementary courses including cyber security awareness, electric vehicle/lithium-ion battery safety, seafarer welfare and mental health (Level 1 and Level 2), bullying and harassment prevention, drug abuse awareness, hazardous materials, risk assessment, and port security. Virsec also provides Maritime English Testing (MET) across six role-based tiers, personal security courses (conflict zones, travel safety, campus safety, lone workers, anti-kidnap), and specialist courses such as the Adrenal Response Mechanism (ARM-BAR) behavioural training. The platform operates through its own LMS (virseclms.org) with offline mobile app capability and incorporates AI-proctored assessment invigilation for regulated courses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Course — Merchant Vessels MCA-approved online STCW proficiency in security awareness course for merchant vessel crew and staff without designated security responsibilities, compliant with ISPS Code and STCW Section A-VI/6-1.
• STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course — Merchant Vessels MCA-approved online STCW proficiency in designated security duties for seafarers on merchant vessels, covering vessel security duties, ISPS requirements, and STCW Table A-VI/6-2.
• STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course — Merchant Vessels MCA-approved online STCW proficiency as ship security officer for merchant vessel crew, covering security management, ship security plans, and STCW Table A-VI/5.
• STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Course — Luxury Yachts MCA-approved online STCW security awareness course tailored for luxury yacht crew and staff, meeting ISPS Code requirements for non-designated security personnel.
• STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course — Luxury Yachts Fully online STCW PDSD course for luxury yacht seafarers assigned designated security duties, delivered entirely online with tailored backgrounds and characters.
• STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course — Luxury Yachts Online STCW proficiency as ship security officer for luxury yacht crew aspiring to fulfil the SSO role, fully approved by the MCA.
• STCW Security Awareness (PSA) Course — Passenger Vessels MCA-approved STCW security awareness course for passenger vessel crew and staff, meeting ISPS Code compliance requirements.
• STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course — Passenger Vessels Online STCW proficiency in designated security duties for passenger vessel crew and staff assigned security responsibilities.
• STCW Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course — Passenger Vessels Online MCA-approved STCW proficiency as ship security officer for cruise ship and passenger vessel crew, compliant with STCW Table A-VI/5 and IMO Model Course 3.19.
• STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course — LISCR Liberian Registry (LISCR)-approved online STCW proficiency in security awareness course (IMO Model Course 3.27) for vessel crew and staff without security-related duties, compliant with ISPS Code and STCW Table A-VI/6-1.
• STCW Designated Security Duties (PDSD) Course — LISCR LISCR-approved online STCW proficiency in designated security duties (IMO Model 3.26) for crew and staff with security-related duties, compliant with ISPS Code and STCW Table A-VI/6-2.
• STCW Crowd Management & Passenger Safety Course Online STCW crowd management and passenger safety course for maritime personnel, covering crowd control, emergency preparedness, and effective communication under stress.
• Crowd Management Training (Passenger Vessels) Course USCG-approved online crowd management course for passenger vessels, compliant with STCW Reg. A-V/2, STCW Code (2010): Sections A-V/2 & A-V/3, and IMO Model Course 1.41, provided in partnership with Resolve Maritime Academy.
• Cyber Security Awareness for Seafarers Course ABS-approved online cyber security awareness training for merchant vessel crew and staff, addressing threats to vessel navigation, propulsion, and cargo handling systems.
• Cyber Security Awareness for Yacht Crew & Staff Course Online cyber security awareness training specifically designed for superyacht crew and staff, addressing vessel vulnerability to cyber threats.
• Cyber Security Strategy for Vessels Course Online cyber security strategy training for vessels addressing rising incidents of cyber attacks on shipping and vessel vulnerability.
• Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Seafarers Online course providing seafarers with practical tools to spot, prevent, and respond to bullying and sexual harassment on board vessels.
• Introduction to Sexual Harassment Awareness in the Maritime Workplace Online sexual harassment awareness course designed for all personnel on board vessels and within shore-based maritime operations including HR and management.
• Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts Course ABS-approved online course covering lithium-ion battery safety hazards for superyacht personnel, addressing risks from phones, laptops, tools, servers, and tenders.
• Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts — Command & Control Module Stand-alone add-on module to the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts course, bridging foundational knowledge with command-level response protocols.
• Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships Course Online course covering lithium-ion battery safety on ships, addressing the increasing prevalence of these batteries powering everything from smartphones to equipment on vessels.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Hazard Awareness on Ro-Ro Ships Online course providing maritime professionals with essential awareness of the unique hazards posed by electric vehicles on roll-on/roll-off ships.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Hazard Awareness in Port Operations Online course covering electric vehicle hazards in port operations, addressing the growing number of electric vehicles in the UK and associated safety risks.
• Behavioural Threat Detection Using CCTV for Port Security ABS-approved online course training CCTV operators in ports to serve as the first line of defence against unauthorised access, hostile reconnaissance, and smuggling.
• Port Security Awareness for Non-Security Personnel Online course covering port and marina security under border security requirements for non-security personnel.
• Online Maritime English Test (MET) Suite ABS-approved online Maritime English Tests (METs) for deck ratings, engine ratings, junior and senior officers, and cruise ship staff, assessing English competency against IMO Model Course 3.17, SMCP, and STCW standards.
• Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Level 1 Online mental health awareness course (Level 1) providing foundational training in recognising mental health issues and providing initial support.
• Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Level 2 Online training for crew supervisors (Level 2) enhancing mental health awareness to identify potential issues on board ship, covering recognising symptoms, providing support, and creating a positive workplace culture.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety Induction for Port Staff Online safety induction course ensuring port staff are prepared to identify and manage electric vehicle hazards.
• An Introduction to Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Online course understanding the risks associated with hazardous materials at ports and on board ships for ensuring safety compliance.
• A Master's Guide to the UK Flag Online course covering UK ship registration, compliance requirements, and administrative procedures for masters and senior officers of UK-registered large commercial yachts.
• A Yacht Master's Guide to the UK Flag Online guide for yacht masters on UK flag registration, compliance, and benefits, covering UK Merchant Shipping regulations and administrative procedures.
• Vessel Safety Management Committees Course Online course covering the establishment and operation of vessel safety management committees under the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.
• An Introduction to Risk Assessment Process for Ship's Crew Online introduction to risk assessments for ship's crew, providing essential training for crew members in understanding and conducting risk assessments.
• Introduction to Elements of Shipboard Safety for Seafarers Online course providing seafarers with essential training in the elements of shipboard safety.
• Drug Abuse Awareness for the Luxury Yacht Sector Online drug abuse awareness course for the luxury yacht sector, maintaining a safe, professional, and enjoyable environment for guests and crew.
• Drug Abuse Awareness for Crew & Staff in the Commercial Sector Online drug abuse awareness course for commercial cargo vessels, ferries, and offshore platforms, ensuring a safe and compliant environment.
• Drug Abuse Awareness for Cruise Ship & Passenger Vessel Sector Online drug abuse awareness course for cruise ship and passenger vessel sector addressing the increasing number of accidents at sea involving drugs.
• The Threat Pyramid & Threat Zoning Course Online course teaching threat awareness through the threat pyramid framework and threat zoning methodology for recognising environmental signals that indicate rising risk.
• Adrenal Response Mechanism – Behavioural Alarm Response (ARM-BAR) Online course exploring how the human nervous system responds to threat through Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Flop behaviours, providing a science-informed framework for understanding stress responses.
• Online Conflict Zone Threat Assessment for NGOs Course Personal security training for NGO staff in high-threat environments, covering threat assessment techniques, conflict mapping, and information accuracy for operating in austere, high-risk conflict areas.
• Online Lone Worker Awareness – Dealing with Conflict Course Online lone worker awareness course covering dealing with conflict, addressing the estimated 123 to 205 daily physical assaults on lone workers in the UK.
• Online Anti-Kidnap & Hostage-Taking Awareness Course Online anti-kidnap and hostage-taking awareness course for preparedness against kidnapping and hostage-taking threats.
• Online Travel Security Awareness for Young People Overseas Course Online travel security awareness course for young people travelling overseas, covering personal security in unfamiliar environments.
• Online Safety on Campus — A Guide for Students Course Online campus safety course providing students with guidance on staying safe when starting a new life in a different city or country.

Quantifiable outcome

• 130+ Countries
• +1 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Special Projects Group Ltd (SPG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSPG is a UK Veteran-owned Specialist Security Training and Security Consultancy Company. VIRSEC is a Strategic Partner Programme member. SPG provides personal security courses including Conflict Zone Threat Assessments for NGOs, Travel Security, Campus Safety, and Lone Worker Security Awareness through VIRSEC's platform.
• Resolve Maritime AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS-based maritime training center providing partnership with VIRSEC for US Coast Guard (USCG) Approved Crowd Management Courses. VIRSEC provides fully online delivery while Resolve Maritime Academy provides USCG approval and certification under their RESOLV-142 course code.
• Absorb (LMS Provider)coreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party Learning Management System provider. VIRSEC's LMS is provided and operated by Absorb. Course access, learner tracking, and certification workflows are managed through this platform.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Safebridge: Safebridge offers online maritime training and assessment, including type-specific and STCW courses for deck and engine officers, with a strong focus on maritime crewing and certification workflows. It is directly comparable to Virsec as an online, assessor-led maritime training platform serving officers and operators.
• Seagull Maritime: Seagull Maritime provides onboard training and e-learning for seafarers, covering STCW, safety, and operational competence across global fleets. It directly competes with Virsec in delivering online regulatory compliance training to shipping companies and seafarers worldwide.
• Videotel (KVH): Videotel, part of KVH, is a long-established provider of maritime training videos and e-learning, including STCW and safety courses distributed via satellite communications to vessels. It is a direct competitor in online maritime regulatory training with significant scale and a similar flag-state-approved course catalog.
• Mintra: Mintra provides maritime and offshore training and competence solutions, including e-learning, crew management, and Learning Management Systems used by ship operators. It competes with Virsec both as a course provider and as an LMS-adjacent platform for maritime workforce training.
• Marlins: Marlins is a maritime e-learning and crew training provider offering STCW, security, and compliance courses to global shipping companies. It is a direct peer because it competes in the same online maritime training category with similar STCW ISPS course offerings and a comparable B2B and individual learner customer base.

Regional players

• Resolve Maritime Academy: Resolve Maritime Academy is a US-based maritime training center providing USCG-approved courses and a key Virsec partner for USCG Crowd Management delivery. It is a regional player offering overlapping maritime training content, primarily serving US-based seafarers and operators.

Broad incumbents

• Ocean Technologies Group: Ocean Technologies Group is a larger digital services provider for maritime, encompassing training (Seagull, Videotel, Marlins), crew management, and operational software. It is a broad incumbent that competes across the full maritime e-learning category and represents both a partner ecosystem and a competitor to Virsec.

Emerging players

• Adonis PMS: Adonis provides a maritime competency management and training platform used by crewing departments to track seafarer certifications and training. It is an emerging player that overlaps with Virsec's certification-tracking and training-management capabilities for shipping operators.
• Special Projects Group (SPG): SPG is a UK veteran-owned specialist security training and consultancy company that has a strategic partnership with Virsec for personal security courses. It is an emerging adjacent player providing overlapping conflict-zone and personal security training content distributed through Virsec's platform.

Others

• UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Training Providers: The MCA maintains an approved list of training providers delivering STCW and ISPS courses. While not a peer company itself, the broader ecosystem of MCA-approved providers—including traditional colleges and training centers—constitutes the competitive set against which Virsec's online-delivery model is differentiated.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/VIRSECeLearning
• Facebookfacebook.com/VirsecLtd

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Virsec