Maritime Security Management & Control in Accordance with the ISPS Code

About the Course

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, establishes the international framework for safeguarding ships, port facilities and maritime operations against unlawful acts. The Code provides governments, shipping companies and port operators with a structured approach to identifying security threats, implementing preventative measures and maintaining appropriate security levels. Recognising that maritime security is fundamentally a risk management activity, organisations must continuously assess threats, vulnerabilities and operational controls to ensure that security measures remain proportionate, effective and capable of responding to changing operational conditions. Effective implementation of the ISPS Code therefore requires more than regulatory compliance; it demands strong security leadership, risk-based decision-making, effective security planning and a proactive approach to managing emerging threats.

Modern maritime security challenges extend beyond traditional threats and now include organised crime, insider threats, cyber-enabled attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical instability that can directly affect port operations, shipping activities and critical maritime infrastructure. This 5-day Maritime Security Management & Control in Accordance with the ISPS Code training course integrates these contemporary issues with the mandatory requirements of the ISPS Code, practical security management techniques and recognised industry best practices to strengthen maritime security performance and operational resilience. Delegates will examine security governance, threat assessment, security planning, compliance management and continuous improvement processes whilst developing practical approaches to implementing effective security measures across ships and port facilities. Through case studies, practical exercises and operational discussions, delegates will enhance their ability to manage security risks, maintain compliance and support secure and resilient maritime operations.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Interpret the requirements and application of the ISPS Code
• Analyse the roles and responsibilities of Governments, Companies, CSOs, SSOs and PFSOs
• Evaluate security threats and conduct structured Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSAs)
• Develop and review effective Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs)
• Implement effective maritime security controls, including access control, restricted area management and searching procedures
• Assess emerging maritime security threats and apply appropriate mitigation measures
• Manage maritime security incidents, drills, exercises and compliance activities
• Promote a positive security culture and support continuous improvement initiatives within maritime organisations

Training Approach

This training course adopts a highly interactive and practical approach to learning, combining instructor-led presentations, facilitated discussions, operational case studies, scenario-based exercises, tabletop activities and security planning workshops. Drawing upon contemporary maritime incidents, current industry guidance and real-world operational examples, delegates will apply key concepts through collaborative learning activities, knowledge checks and practical exercises designed to strengthen maritime security management, regulatory compliance, risk assessment and security planning capabilities within ships and port facilities.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for professionals responsible for implementing, managing and overseeing maritime security arrangements, ISPS compliance and security risk management activities across ships, port facilities and associated maritime operations.

A broad range of professionals will benefit, including but not limited to:

• Ship Security Officers (SSOs)
• Company Security Officers (CSOs)
• Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs)
• Port and Terminal Managers
• Maritime Security Managers and Supervisors
• Masters and Senior Deck Officers
• Port Authority and Harbour Personnel
• Government Maritime Regulators
• Internal Auditors and Compliance Personnel
• Marine Operations Personnel with Security Responsibilities
• Personnel responsible for Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSAs) and Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs)

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: MARITIME SECURITY FRAMEWORK

• Introduction to the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2
• Functional Requirements and Application of the ISPS Code
• Ship and Port Facility Interface Arrangements
• Roles and Responsibilities of Governments, Companies, CSOs, SSOs and PFSOs
• International Maritime Security Governance
• Current Maritime Security Threats and Emerging Risk Trends
• Security Leadership and Governance Responsibilities
• Types of Port Facilities and Operational Considerations
• Risk-Based Maritime Security Principles
• Developments in Maritime Security Since 9/11

DAY TWO: PORT FACILITY SECURITY OPERATIONS

• Security Administration and Operational Coordination
• Maritime Security Threats, Supply Chain Risks and Threat Indicators
• Handling Sensitive Security-Related Information
• Security Technologies, UAS Threats and Operational Limitations
• Techniques Used to Circumvent Security Measures
• Characteristics and Behavioural Patterns of Potential Offenders
• Security-Related Communications and Reporting
• Searches of Persons and Luggage
• Vehicle, Cargo and Restricted Area Searching Procedures
• Insider Threats, Organised Crime and Cyber-Enabled Security Risks

DAY THREE: SECURITY IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE

• Security Training Obligations and Awareness Programmes
• Security Drills, Exercises and Performance Evaluation
• Port State Control Requirements
• Declaration of Security (DoS)
• Documentation, Records and Information Management
• Security Incident Reporting Procedures
• Security Audits, Inspections and Monitoring
• Management of Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions
• Security Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Building a Positive Security Culture and Workforce Awareness

DAY FOUR: PORT FACILITY SECURITY ASSESSMENTS

• Risk Management Processes and Methodologies
• Threat Identification and Vulnerability Assessment
• Port Facility Security Assessment Requirements
• Step-by-Step PFSA Development
• On-Scene Port Facility Security Surveys
• Critical Asset Identification and Protection
• Security Risk Matrices and Prioritisation Techniques
• Contingency Planning and Maritime Resilience
• Crowd Management and Control
• Mitigation Measures and Residual Risk Evaluation

DAY FIVE: PORT FACILITY SECURITY PLANNING

• Port Facility Security Plan Requirements and Objectives
• Development and Structure of the PFSP
• Access to PFSP Documentation and Confidentiality Requirements
• Preparation, Implementation and Maintenance of the PFSP
• Security Measures Linked to Security Levels
• Review, Testing and Periodic Updating of the PFSP
• Searching Procedures and Access Control Integration
• Internal Audits, Lessons Identified and Management Review
• Continuous Improvement and Security Culture Initiatives
• Integrating Operational Security Controls with ISPS Compliance Requirements

Certificate Awarded

Upon successful completion of this training course, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from XCalibre Training Centre, acknowledging their accomplishment. This certificate serves as a testament to their dedication to developing their skills and advancing their expertise in their respective fields.