The Department for Transport is responsible for the security of ports, shipping and cargo. This section provides details of the work undertaken and information on key programmes, initiatives and guidance for industry personnel. There are also details on security training for people working in the maritime sector.

• Port security approved training providers, 13 June 2011
• Vessels outside the scope of the ISPS code - guidelines, 22 December 2008
• Best management practices to deter piracy - Aden and Somalia, 11 June 2009
• UK’s national maritime security programme, 14 May 2008
• Pre-arrival notification procedure in UK ports, 14 May 2008
• Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) and plans (PFSP) - flowchart, 14 May 2008
• Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) - template, 7 August 2008
• Model Ship Security Plan - template , 19 August 2008
• Maritime security training aids, 1 July 2008

Port facility security officer training

All Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) in the UK must attend an approved training course. Here is a list of port security approved training providers. More will be added when they are approved by the Department.

If you want to become an approved training provider please contact:

  Maritime Training Manager
  Department for Transport
  Great Minister House
  76 Marsham Street
  London  SW1P 4DR

  Tel 0300 330 3000
  email maritimesecurity@dft.gsi.gov.uk  

Details of training for Ship Security Officers (SSOs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs) can be found on the MCA website.

Maritime security roadshows

The roadshows are one day events aimed at all staff working in ports or on ships - particularly passenger vessels - and are held throughout the year, usually in port locations.

The day’s content typically includes:

• information on the threat to passenger shipping operations
• maritime security legislation (AMSA)
• an overview of the devices and weapons used by terrorist groups, of contingency planning and protection of ships

The roadshows are run jointly by the Department and the Security Service and blocks of dates are allocated in advance and then advertised.

Individual ports and shipping companies should submit bids for roadshow dates in writing and these are normally accepted on a first-come first-served basis. The roadshows are offered free of charge but host post/shipping companies are asked to provide suitable lecture rooms, TV/video/projection facilities and refreshments - including a buffet lunch - for delegates and presenters.

The course is suitable for all staff who work in a port environment - especially passenger ports. A minimum of 20 delegates is normally required.

Remember that the normal turnover of your staff might have resulted in a pool of new people who have not attended a roadshow yet.

If you do not have enough staff to host your own event, we can try and make arrangements for them to attend somebody else’s roadshow. You will appreciate that we can only arrange this with the consent of the host though.

For further information please telephone the Maritime training team on 020 7944 2844.