Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Appointment
A port facility is required to appoint a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). This is a mandatory requirement under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2002.
The PFSO is responsible for:
- Implementing and maintaining the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) outlines the security measures and procedures the port facility must follow to protect itself from security threats.
- Coordinating with other security personnel: This includes working with the ship security officer (SSO) and the company security officer (CSO) to ensure that security measures are coordinated and effective.
- Responding to security incidents: The PFSO is responsible for coordinating the response to security incidents at the port facility.
The specific qualifications and training requirements for PFSOs may vary depending on the country and the specific port facility. However, most countries require PFSOs to have a strong understanding of maritime security and to be able to implement and maintain effective security measures.
Security Requirements for Ships and International Port Facilities
The world changed dramatically after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It made all of us realize how weak our global security system is, even for the maritime industry. The result of this shift in perspective is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, played a key role in developing the ISPS Code, which came into force on July 1, 2004.
The Code is designed to regulate international cooperation, provide a standardized approach to security assessments, and ensure adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place worldwide.
Introduction to the ISPS
The ISPS Code is designed to mitigate maritime security risks and prevent acts of terrorism that could disrupt global trade and cause significant economic consequences.
The ISPS Code establishes an international framework for cooperation between Contracting Governments, government agencies, local governments, and the shipping and port industries. The main goal is to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities in international trade.
What are the Objectives of ISM Code for Shipping Industry?
Who does the ISPS Code apply to?
The ISPS Code applies worldwide to ships involved in international voyages and the port facilities they serve. The following are the main areas of its application. Any ship involved in international voyages, including:
- Passenger ships, including ferries.
- Cargo ships of 500 gross tons and above, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers.
- Mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs).
- Port facilities
- Any port facility that serves the above ships must comply with the ISPS Code.
These facilities are required by law to have security plans and measures to address the risks associated with the ships and cargo they transport or handle.
The ISPS Code states, Part A: Requirements
The ISPS Code is divided into two parts: Part A contains mandatory requirements, and Part B provides guidance on how to comply with these requirements.
Part A sets out the following requirements:
Security Assessment
Part A of the ISPS Code requires ships and port facilities to conduct security assessments to identify potential security threats and determine measures to prevent security incidents.
Security Plan
After the security assessment, ships and ports must develop security plans.
The flag state must approve the ship response plan.
Ports must determine the preventive measures that must be taken to prevent security incidents from occurring.
Security Personnel
Ships, ports, and shipping companies must designate security officers responsible for security plans.
Ships must have a designated Ship Security Officer (SSO) responsible for the ship’s security.
Each shipping company must appoint a Company Security Officer (CSO) to oversee the security of its fleet and compliance with the ISPS Code.
Each port facility must appoint a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) to implement and maintain the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP).
Security Procedures
The law specifies different security measures and procedures that must be taken for different security levels (from 1 to 3, with three being the highest).
These functions include:
- Access Control.
- Monitoring and controlling the environment around the vessel or facility.
- Cargo handling procedures, ship stores, and ship personnel.
- Provisions of Part B of the ISPS Code: Compliance Guidance
- Part B provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to help implement Part A.
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
Training Guidance
Although not mandatory, Part B provides best practices and detailed guidance on training security personnel, including ship security officers, security officers, and security officers.
Detailed recommendations for security measures
This section also contains recommendations on practical security measures that can be implemented at each security level.
Templates and Checklists
Finally, this section contains templates for conducting security assessments and checklists for developing security response plans.
Compliance and Further Reading
Compliance with the ISPS Code is enforced through joint supervision by the flag and port states.
To demonstrate compliance, the ship must carry a valid International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) issued by the flag state or a recognized security organization (RSO).
The Port Facility Statement of Compliance (SoCPF) is issued to the port by the national authority or a recognized security organization (RSO) approved to act on its behalf.
