Port Facility Security Officer Course (PFSO)

  1. The Course: REDTRAC offers the IMO Model Course 3.21+ which is an enhanced version of the prescribedModel Course 3.21 from the International Maritime Organization. The Course will provide the specialized knowledge required by port facility security personnel to perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of the ISPS Code and a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). The Course carries the ‘+’ designation because it includes deliberate subject matter extensions which allow for specific practical exercises to be done and also the inclusion of broader course material on port operations which impact not only the maritime security measures but also safety, maritime ‘service knowledge’, the regional maritime architecture, elements of Primary and Secondary Maritime Law and other matters which directly affect the wider duties of the PFSO. On successful completion, participants will be Certified PFSOs who are ready to ‘hit the ground running’ immediately after graduation.
  2. Who Should Attend: Persons who are slated to be PFSOs/Deputy PFSOs and persons who will manage or assist with the management and supervision of security at Port Facilities which operate pursuant to a Port Facility Security Plan; supervisors of personnel with designated security duties at such Port Facilities and PFSOs/Deputy PFSOs who need re-fresher training. The target group also includes managers and supervisors of Maritime Authorities, Port Authorities, Shipping Associations, Police Services, Customs Agencies, Contract Security Providers, Port Operators and other Corporate persons who need this specialized training in keeping with their portfolio responsibilities.
  3. The Curriculum: The IMO; SOLAS and the ISPS Code: History, operational framework and requirements; Roles of: Contracting Governments and Administrations, the RSO/the PFSO/the CSO/the SSO/Port Operators, et al; The symbiosis of Ship and Port Facility; The Port Survey; The Port Facility Security Assessment; The Port Facility Security Plan; Security Levels; Security Threats and Patterns; Threat Recognition; Search Techniques; Contingency Planning; Recognition and detection of weapons, IEDs, contraband, dangerous substances and devises; Crowd Management and Control Techniques; Physical Security; Introduction to and operation of security equipment and systems; Information Security; Security Drills; Exercises and Audits; Security Training: Training Requirements and Methods, Instructional Techniques, Learning Styles, Session Planning; Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning; Security Administration, The Port Security Committee – among other topics to include practical exercises and a visit to an ISPS Compliant Port Facility.