Port Facility Security Officer PFSO (Designated Port Security Officer) - ISPS Code Requirements

IMO ISPS Code Section 17 - Duties and Responsibilities of Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and Their Importance in Maritime Security

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandated International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a supplement to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS). ISPS Code intends to provide an international framework for mandatory requirements regarding the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS.

A Port Facility Security Officer, or PFSO, is an officer employed by the port and designated as responsible for the development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). Those ports that come under the jurisdiction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code are required to have a Port Facility Security Plan. The PFSO is also in charge of coordinating with the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and Company Security Officer (CSO), who are officers employed by the ships and companies.

The Port Facility Security Officers are responsible for the day-to-day security of the port facility where they are employed.. They must ensure the protection of port facilities and visitors from threats that may arise from land and sea. They have several responsibilities, but they are ultimately responsible for the development and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan and the day-to-day security operations of the facility.

ISPS Code - Port Facility Security Officer

ISPS Code Part A Section 17 - Port Facility Security Officer

Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Requirements

17 Port Facility Security Officer

17.1 A Port Facility Security Officer shall be designated for each port facility. A person may be designated as the port facility security officer for one or more port facilities.

17.2 In addition to those specified elsewhere in this Part of the Code, the duties and responsibilities of the port facility security officer shall include, but are not limited to:

.1 conducting an initial comprehensive security survey of the port facility taking into account the relevant port facility security assessment;

.2 ensuring the development and maintenance of the port facility security plan;

.3 implementing and exercising the port facility security plan;

.4 undertaking regular security inspections of the port facility to ensure the continuation of appropriate security measures;

.5 recommending and incorporating, as appropriate, modifications to the port facility security plan in order to correct deficiencies and to update the plan to take into account of relevant changes to the port facility;

.6 enhancing security awareness and vigilance of the port facility personnel;

.7 ensuring adequate training has been provided to personnel responsible for the security of the port facility;

.8 reporting to the relevant authorities and maintaining records of occurrences which threaten the security of the port facility;

.9 co-ordinating implementation of the port facility security plan with the appropriate Company and Ship Security Officer(s);

.10 co-ordinating with security services, as appropriate;

.11 ensuring that standards for personnel responsible for security of the port facility are met;

.12 ensuring that security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained, if any; and

.13 assisting ship security officers in confirming the identity of those seeking to board the ship when requested.

17.3 The port facility security officer shall be given the necessary support to fulfil the duties and responsibilities imposed by chapter XI-2 and this Part of the Code.

ISPS Code Part B Section 17 - Port Facility Security Officer

Guidance regarding Port Facility Security Officer

17 Port Facility Security Officer

General

17.1 In those exceptional instances where the Ship Security Officer has questions about the validity of identification documents of those seeking to board the ship for official purposes, the port facility security officer should assist.

17.2 The port facility security officer should not be responsible for routine confirmation of the identity of those seeking to board the ship.

In addition, other relevant guidance is provided under Section 15, Section 16 and Section 18.

Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check IMO ISPS Code - SOLAS Convention for the latest requirements and accurate info

Port Facility Security Officer Online Training

Transport Canada Approved PFSO Training Online

The Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA) online course give the essential education and training to get certified as a Port Facility Security Officer and meets the requirements set out in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Read more..

LAST UPDATED ON Jul 16, 2022