Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Port facilities play a critical role in global trade and transportation, making them attractive targets for security threats that can endanger people, infrastructure, and supply chains. The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is a key position responsible for ensuring that security risks are identified, managed, and controlled in accordance with international maritime regulations.
Effective port security is essential to maintaining regulatory compliance, protecting port operations, and ensuring continuity of commerce. A well-trained PFSO provides the leadership needed to implement security plans, respond to changing threat levels, and coordinate with internal teams and external authorities. Strong security management helps ports move beyond compliance toward proactive risk management and operational resilience.
This 24-hour in-person or 20-hour remote, IMO-approved Port Facility Security Officer course provides comprehensive instruction on the roles, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements applicable to PFSOs. Participants learn how to conduct Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSAs), develop and maintain Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs), perform compliance audits, document findings and recommendations, and meet reporting requirements. The course also addresses current security threats, emerging trends, and practical implementation considerations.
This course was developed in alignment with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and IMO guidelines.
Register for Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Course
Book a seat for an upcoming in-person training in just a few simple steps.
Note: For the March 2026 virtual open-enrollment course, the training will be compressed into 20 hours, held as four (4) hours over five (5) half days.
- Understand the provisions and application of the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) and Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
- Interpret and apply security levels and corresponding protective measures
- Detect dangerous substances and devices
- Recognize threatening or suspicious behavior and persons
- Understand common techniques used to circumvent security measures
- Conduct effective vehicle searches
- Apply best practices for record-keeping and operational security
- Manage security-related communications and security systems effectively