Introduction

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. The ISPS Code is implemented through chapter XI-2 Special measures to enhance maritime security in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The Code has two parts, one mandatory and one recommendatory.

In essence, the Code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is a risk management activity and that, to determine what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be made in each particular case. The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities through the determination of appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures.

Course Objectives of ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

At the end of the 5-day seminar, delegates should be able to:

• Define the nature of their facility and how they are affected by the requirements of the ISP's code
• Identify the mandatory and guidance regulations of the ISP's code
• Develop risk assessment tools towards the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)
• Construct the 3 levels of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) with enhanced knowledge of security issues
• Effectively operate and interact with the port facility security plan with the ships security officer and ships master

Course Process of ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

The delegates will be involved in the latest trends in seminar presentations. The classroom presentations are made up of interactive practical exercises, supported by audiovisual material and case studies. Delegates will be expected to participate actively in relating the principles of Maritime security management to the specific needs of their industry. This practical development of skills will benefit delegates who then can return to work ready for the implementation of security measures and plans.

Course Benefits of  ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

The program will identify best practices for leadership and management of maritime security roles including the main responsibilities for the port facility security officer (PFSO)

• Compliance with the ISP's code
• Prescribed Trade with ships engaged on international voyages and other categories covered by the code
• Enhanced risk assessment and critical infrastructure identification
• Robust security countermeasures to enhance protection
• Increase in professional reputation

Course Results of ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

Delegates attending this seminar will gain an understanding of the strong business reasons why organizations and contracting governments should effectively manage and plan to protect their human and physical resources, through maritime security leadership and management.

• Dedicated Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
• Dedicated Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)
• Dedicated Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
• Understanding of Training drills and exercises
• Knowledge of prior notification procedures and declarations of security

Core Competencies of ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

The ISP's code section 1.16 states that contracting governments have to ensure that a port facility security assessment is completed by a designated authority or recognized security organization. Following this, a port facility security officer will be appointed and a port facility plan produced.

The PFSO must be able to interact with ship security officers (SSO) and company security officers (CSO).

The ISP's code section 18.1 states that a PFSO should have the knowledge and receive training in various security subjects. These subjects are covered within the five-day seminar.

Course Outlines of ISPS Port Facility Security Officer

Day 1and 2: The Background to the International Maritime Security Framework

• Who the code applies to
• Types of port facilities
• Protection categories
• Understand the ISP's code
• To understand the relevant international conventions, codes, and recommendations relating to the ISPS Code
• To understand the Parts of the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Code
• To understand the Application of the ISPS Code
• To understand the Functional Requirements of the ISPS Code
• To understand the Responsibilities of Contracting Governments
• To understand the Roles of Recognised Security Organisations (RSO)
• To understand the roles and responsibilities of the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)

Day 3: Recognition and Detection of Weapons, Dangerous Substances, and Devices

• Firearms
• Low explosives
• Incendiary devices
• Grenades
• High explosives
• Detonators
• Timers
• Batteries
• Timer power units
• Case studies

Day 4: Introduction to Port Facility Security

• Security administration
• Responsibilities and functions of security organizations
• Handling sensitive security-related information
• Knowledge of current security threats and patterns
• Techniques used to circumvent security
• Security equipment and systems
• Characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons likely to threaten the security
• Security-related communications

Day 5: Port Facility Security Assessment

• Risk assessment 4: 2: 1
• Risk assessment methodology
• Key point identification CARVER
• Evacuation planning
• Search planning