The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is a mandatory IMO framework adopted after 9/11 to address the security of ships and port facilities used in international trade.

Every port facility that serves ships engaged on international voyages is required to have a designated Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) — a trained individual responsible for implementing and maintaining the port facility’s security plan.

A PFSO is responsible for conducting security assessments, developing security plans, coordinating with Ship Security Officers, training port personnel, and responding to security threats and incidents.

Without a qualified PFSO, a port facility is not only non-compliant — it is operationally exposed in one of the most volatile maritime security environments in recent history.