Maritime Security and ISPS Compliance

Maritime Security

Speak to our team about maritime security training courses and ISPS compliance solutions tailored to your operational needs.

Comprehensive Maritime Security services across UK ports

Every port facility presents its own challenges, which is why our maritime security services are tailored to your environment. We deliver DfT approved training, ISPS compliance support and expert consultancy to help ensure your port meets legal requirements and operates with robust, practical security measures in place.

Ensuring ports, vessels, and maritime facilities meet DfT and ISPS Code standards.

Training Courses

Our DfT approved maritime security training courses equip port personnel with the skills and knowledge to maintain compliance with the ISPS Code. From new Port Facility Security Officer training to refresher programmes and general awareness sessions, we deliver practical, effective learning tailored to your site and operational needs.

DfT approved maritime security training and ISPS Code compliance

PFSO Training

Duration: 3 days

Delivered in person at your site or at our training facilities. Learn how to implement and supervise a Port Facility Security Plan, assess risks, and maintain compliance with the ISPS Code. Certification is valid for 5 years.

PFSO Refresher

Duration: 1 day

Update and maintain your PFSO skills. Covers recent threat changes, procedural updates, and lessons learned from recent incidents. Required every 5 years or after a career break.

General Security Awareness

Duration: Flexible

Tailored training for all port facility personnel, covering local PFSP procedures, access control, screening and recognising suspicious behaviour. Suitable for staff with or without specific security duties.

More Information on Our Training Courses

For more information about each training course, click and expand the options below.

PFSO Training 3 days
Delivered in person at your site or at our training facilities. Following successful completion of our PFSO training course, delegates will be able to:
- Develop, maintain, and supervise the implementation of a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
- Assess security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities to a Port Facility, and put in place controls and processes to mitigate against these
- Undertake regular security inspections of a Port Facility to ensure that mandatory and specific security measures are implemented and maintained
- Ensure that security equipment and systems are properly operated, tested, and calibrated
- Encourage security vigilance, awareness, and understanding amongst Port Facility personnel
- Describe current, specific security threats and risks associated with the UK maritime industry
All UK ports must have a certified Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). The PFSO is required to implement security measures stated in the International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPS Code) and must complete DfT certified training. PFSO certification can only be awarded by a DfT approved training provider. In line with DfT regulations our PFSO courses, both initial and refresher, are valid for a period of no more than five years from the date of course completion.
PFSO Refresher 1 day
Delivered in person at your site or at our training facilities. By design, the refresher course material detailed below is generic in nature and will be adapted where necessary to fit the local security measures and procedures as set out in the PFSP:
- A threat update
- Any updates on local issues and changes to procedures and equipment used
- Any relevant new training material issued by the DfT
- A summary of maritime security incidents that have occurred since their previous training and any lessons learned
- A discussion of points arising from the above, including any changes to the PFSP
- Revisit the key areas of screening and searching
PFSOs must undertake refresher training every five years while in post, and after a career break of 24 months or more before resuming a PFSO role. Our course can also be attended after internal reviews, following recommendations from compliance inspectors, or to address deficiencies identified in the PFSP.
General Security Awareness Training Flexible
As per the ISPS Code, port facility personnel (other than PFSOs) shall also have a knowledge of, and have received training in, general security awareness. Our training covers two groups of personnel working at port facilities:
- Personnel with no specific security duties: personnel who need to be aware of the security regime
- Security officers: personnel tasked with specific security duties such as access control or body searching
These courses are designed to be tailored where necessary to fit the local security measures and procedures as set out in the PFSP.

“Baseline delivered beyond our hopes. From their professional and knowledgeable expert operatives to the final report and support in developing our security practices”

ISPS Assurance

Whether it’s reviewing and auditing your PFSP, planning security exercises or arranging training programmes, we can help you maintain compliance with all UK related legislation and responsibilities under the ISPS Code.

Our team are here to support you with all aspects of port security. Their unparalleled experience from across dozens of UK ports in all aspects of port security is available for you to benefit from. With experience including as chairman of the British Ports Association and UK Major Ports Group Security and Resilience Group, UK Government policy advisors, Contingency and Emergency Planning lead, DfT maritime security inspectors and training instructors, advisors to Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, and of course PFSO.