Description
This Course Includes
✓ CPD eCertificate — Port Facility Security Officer
✓ Expert Digital Badge
✓ Tutors Gateway Support
✓ High Quality Learning Materials
✓ IMT Alumni Portal Access
✓ ISPS Code PFSO Reference Guide
Why this course matters
Built for professionals. Essential for ports.
For You — Individual
Your port’s security depends on your expertise.
Every port facility handling international shipping must have a qualified PFSO. Professionals who truly understand the ISPS Code at port level are critical to global trade security — and highly valued.
→ Understand your legal duties as PFSO under ISPS Code sections A/2.1.8 and A/17.1
→ Develop and maintain Port Facility Security Plans with confidence
→ Conduct Port Facility Security Assessments to IMO standards
→ Coordinate effectively with Ship and Company Security Officers
→ Add internationally recognised PFSO credentials to your profile
For Companies — B2B
One unqualified PFSO puts your entire port at risk.
Port facilities without a qualified PFSO face denial of access by vessels, government sanctions, and serious liability. PFSO training is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the ISPS Code.
→ Meet mandatory ISPS Code PFSO appointment requirements
→ Avoid port access denials and government enforcement action
→ Ensure Port Facility Security Plans meet IMO Model Course 3.21 standards
→ Group enrolment available — contact us for port authority pricing
→ IMO certification demonstrable to maritime administrations and auditors
About this course
IMO002 — Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is the person designated as responsible for the development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP), and for liaison with ship security officers, company security officers, and relevant authorities.
This program is based on the enhanced IMO Model Course 3.21 and provides the specialised knowledge required by port facility security personnel to perform their duties in full compliance with the ISPS Code — covering the duties and responsibilities defined in sections A/2.1.8 and A/17.1.
Learning Objectives
What you will achieve
Participants will develop the full range of competencies required to manage port facility security in compliance with the ISPS Code and IMO Model Course 3.21.
✓ Understand the ISPS Code framework and PFSO responsibilities under sections A/2.1.8 and A/17.1
✓ Conduct Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) to IMO standards
✓ Develop, implement, maintain, and update the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP)
✓ Manage access control, restricted areas, and cargo handling security
✓ Liaise with Ship Security Officers, Company Security Officers, and port authorities
✓ Respond to security threats, incidents, and changes in security levels
Curriculum
3 modules. 52 hours. Complete port security mastery.
Module 01 · Core Subject
ISPS Code & Port Facility Obligations
The legal framework governing port facility security — ISPS Code Part A & B, SOLAS Chapter XI-2, and the specific obligations of the PFSO role as defined in IMO Model Course 3.21.
ISPS CodeSOLAS XI-2PFSO ObligationsIMO 3.21
Module 02 · Core Subject
Security Assessment & Plan Development
The core PFSO competency — conducting Port Facility Security Assessments, developing the PFSP, and establishing robust security management procedures for the port facility.
PFSAPort Facility Security PlanRisk AssessmentSecurity Procedures
Module 03 · Speciality Subject
Operations, Compliance & Liaison
Day-to-day port security operations — access control, restricted area management, cargo security, liaison with SSOs and CSOs, and maintaining ongoing ISPS compliance.
Access ControlCargo SecuritySSO/CSO LiaisonSecurity Levels
Who should attend
If you work in port security or operations — this is for you.
Port Security Officers
Meet your mandatory ISPS Code PFSO qualification requirement and manage port security with authority.
Port Operations Managers
Understand the security obligations that govern daily port operations and vessel interactions.
Harbour Masters & Port Authorities
Oversee ISPS compliance across your port facility and maintain government certification.
Customs & Border Officers
Understand how PFSO obligations interact with customs, immigration, and border security procedures.
Ship Security Officers
Understand the port side of security to improve your coordination with PFSOs during port calls.
New Entrants to Port Operations
Build the security foundation required for a career in port facility management and security.
Entry Requirements
No prerequisites required
There are no formal prerequisites for this program. It is designed for both new entrants to port operations and experienced port professionals seeking to formalise or deepen their PFSO qualification.
Duration
Approximately 8-10 hours of learning per week, totalling 52 hours over a 6-week period.
Access Period
Course remains open for 6 months from upload date. Extensions available upon request.
Teaching Method
Independent online study aligned to IMO Model Course 3.21 and ISPS Code requirements.
Mode of Attendance
100% Online — delivered via IMT web platform. No travel required.
Your port’s ISPS compliance starts here.
The mandatory qualification for every Port Facility Security Officer.
Start immediately — study at your pace — get IMO certified.
Immediate access · IMO Certified · 3 modules · 52 hours · 6 months access
