Port Facility Security Plan PFSP (Port Security Manual) - ISPS Code Requirements

IMO ISPS Code Section 16 - Mandatory Requirements and Guidance for Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP), the Manual of Port Facility 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.

Ports comprise crucial intermodal nodes in the Cargo and passenger transport network. It is also a border control point and, their Security is of paramount importance. Port facilities and terminals are the elementary vessels & land interfaces are the component of port security. Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) outlines how assets in a port are protected and, the PFSP aims to mitigate the risks identified in the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA).

Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) is a document that describes the measures that the Member State or the designated authority and members of the port community. It is a requirement under section 16 Part A of the ISPS Code and prepared following Port Facility Security Assessment and approved by the Maritime Authority of each Contracting Government. The PFSO and the relevant port facility personnel assist with PFSP development with the assistance of the RSOs.

ISPS Code - Port Facility Security Plan

ISPS Code Part A Section 16 - Port Facility Security Plan

Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) Requirements

16 Port Facility Security Plan

16.1 A port facility security plan shall be developed and maintained, on the basis of a port facility security assessment, for each port facility, adequate for the ship/port interface. The plan shall make provisions for the three security levels, as defined in this Part of the Code.

16.1.1 Subject to the provisions of section 16.2, a recognized security organization may prepare the port facility security plan of a specific port facility.

16.2 The port facility security plan shall be approved by the Contracting Government in whose territory the port facility is located.

16.3 Such a plan shall be developed taking into account the guidance given in part B of this Code and shall be in the working language of the port facility. The plan shall address, at least, the following:

.1 measures designed to prevent weapons or any other dangerous substances and devices intended for use against persons, ships or ports and the carriage of which is not authorized, from being introduced into the port facility or on board a ship;

.2 measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to the port facility, to ships moored at the facility, and to restricted areas of the facility;

.3 procedures for responding to security threats or breaches of security, including provisions for maintaining critical operations of the port facility or ship/port interface;

.4 procedures for responding to any security instructions the Contracting Government, in whose territory the port facility is located, may give at security level 3;

.5 procedures for evacuation in case of security threats or breaches of security;

.6 duties of port facility personnel assigned security responsibilities and of other facility personnel on security aspects;

.7 procedures for interfacing with ship security activities;

.8 procedures for the periodic review of the plan and updating;

.9 procedures for reporting security incidents;

.10 identification of the Port Facility Security Officer including 24-hour contact details;

.11 measures to ensure the security of the information contained in the plan;

.12 measures designed to ensure effective security of cargo and the cargo handling equipment at the port facility;

.13 procedures for auditing the port facility security plan;

.14 procedures for responding in case the ship security alert system of a ship at the port facility has been activated; and

.15 procedures for facilitating shore leave for ship’s personnel or personnel changes, as well as access of visitors to the ship including representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labour organizations.

16.3.1 Personnel conducting internal audits of the security activities specified in the plan or evaluating its implementation shall be independent of the activities being audited unless this is impracticable due to the size and the nature of the port facility.

16.4 The port facility security plan may be combined with, or be part of, the port security plan or any other port emergency plan or plans.

16.5 The Contracting Government in whose territory the port facility is located shall determine which changes to the port facility security plan shall not be implemented unless the relevant amendments to the plan are approved by them.

16.6 The plan may be kept in an electronic format. In such a case, it shall be protected by procedures aimed at preventing its unauthorized deletion, destruction or amendment.

16.7 The plan shall be protected from unauthorized access or disclosure.

16.8 Contracting Governments may allow a port facility security plan to cover more than one port facility if the operator, location, operation, equipment, and design of these port facilities are similar. Any Contracting Government, which allows such an alternative arrangement, shall communicate to the Organization particulars thereof.

ISPS Code Part B Section 16 - Port Facility Security Plan

Guidance regarding Port Facility Security Plan

16 Port Facility Security Plan

Part B Section 16 - Port Facility Security Plan PDF

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

LAST UPDATED ON Feb 5, 2021