Introduction

Maritime security is a critical priority for port facilities, requiring highly competent professionals to safeguard operations, infrastructure, personnel, and cargo against evolving threats. The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) plays a central role in ensuring compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This program, developed by Global Horizon Training Center, is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools required to effectively perform the duties of a PFSO. It focuses on security risk assessment, development and implementation of Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP), operational control, and regulatory compliance.

Participants will gain hands-on understanding of port security operations, stakeholder coordination, and incident response, ensuring readiness to manage security challenges in modern port environments.

Course Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the structure and requirements of the ISPS Code
• Perform the roles and responsibilities of a Port Facility Security Officer
• Conduct Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA)
• Develop, implement, and maintain Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP)
• Manage access control, monitoring, and surveillance systems
• Respond effectively to security incidents and emergencies
• Coordinate with SSO, CSO, and regulatory authorities
• Ensure compliance with ISPS audits, inspections, and certification requirements

Target Audience

This program is designed for:

• Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO)
• Port and Terminal Managers
• Maritime Security and Safety Professionals
• Government and Port Authority Personnel
• Security Supervisors in port environments
• Professionals responsible for ISPS compliance

Outline

Day 1: Maritime Security Framework and PFSO Responsibilities

• Introduction to maritime security concepts
• ISPS Code structure and objectives
• Roles and responsibilities of the PFSO
• Coordination with SSO, CSO, and authorities
• Security levels (Level 1, 2, 3) and implementation

Day 2: Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA)

• Principles of security risk assessment
• Identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
• Conducting PFSA for port facilities
• Evaluating current security measures
• Documentation and reporting

Day 3: Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) Development

• Structure and components of PFSP
• Developing and implementing security procedures
• Access control and restricted areas
• Security equipment (CCTV, alarms, detection systems)
• Record-keeping and compliance requirements

Day 4: Security Operations and Incident Management

• Managing daily security operations
• Responding to security incidents and breaches
• Emergency procedures and communication
• Coordination with authorities and emergency services
• Case studies on port security incidents

Day 5: Compliance, Audits, and Continuous Improvement

• ISPS compliance and certification processes
• Internal and external audits
• Managing non-conformities and corrective actions
• Updating and maintaining PFSP
• Continuous improvement strategies
• Final review and assessment