Port Facility Security Audit Checklist

Port facilities can become vulnerable to security breaches that threaten safety and security, posing threats that compromise their integrity and can put important infrastructure at risk. Facility security audits provide valuable insight into which security measures to implement to protect vital components from being breached or for preventing unwarranted access.

Lumiform’s centralized checklist management software, Xenia, can help to streamline audit processes while also increasing collaboration and communication among team members. Take a look!

1. Physical Security
Physical security in port facilities is of vital importance as it ensures protection of personnel, cargo and facilities. A well-defined and thorough security policy implemented by staff members should be in place.

Asset and infrastructure identification should be undertaken to assess their relative importance for protection, taking into account their potential to cause loss of life, economic significance and symbolic value.

Under International Maritime Organization regulations, governments, port authorities and shipping companies must appoint Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) to implement Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) and generate security levels for their ports and vessels berthing at their jetty. They are then reported back to ship administration for cooperation; using mobile apps can help simplify this process and reduce time spent filling out inspection reports.

2. Access Control
Does the SSP include policies and practices to control access to all restricted areas, including navigation bridge, machinery spaces with security-related equipment, ventilation spaces, cargo pumps and spaces containing ship’s stores? In addition, does it contain provisions preventing weapons, dangerous substances or devices from being brought onboard without authorization and any searches on individuals or their effects are conducted without violating their dignity?

Xenia allows port facility managers to easily adapt Xenia’s checklist template to meet the individual requirements of their facilities, taking into account industry regulations and security standards. Users can assign tasks to individuals or teams, track progress and send automated reminders – increasing efficiency and accuracy while saving time and enhancing accuracy. Furthermore, mobile audit capabilities allow auditors to perform inspections while on the move while collecting real time data capture capabilities enable auditors to capture inspection results immediately.

3. Surveillance
Security measures at port facilities must include an effective surveillance system to track activities and identify threats, according to ISPS Code requirements. Governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel and port/facility employees all play an essential role in “detect or take preventative steps against security threats or incidents affecting ships or ports used in international trade”.

Security equipment and systems must be evaluated for effectiveness, with particular attention paid to underwater coverage. Furthermore, PFSA should assess other areas that could pose risks to people, property, and operations within their facility if damaged or used illegally for illicit observation.

Xenia’s Facility Security Audit Checklist helps simplify and expedite the auditing process by assigning tasks, tracking progress and providing automated reminders. Furthermore, you can adapt checklist templates specifically to your facilities’ security needs and requirements.

4. Information Security
Important international port facilities that serve passenger ships or cargo ships that make frequent international voyages must implement numerous security measures, including conducting a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) and creating a Port Facility Security Plan.

Staff who perform PFSA tasks should receive proper PFSO training that takes into account their port facilities of employment. The 73-page guidance endorses training programs with cybersecurity measures tailored specifically for port environments.

Measures such as identifying restricted areas and their extent and times of application, verifying cargo documentation against onboard inventory lists and routinely inspecting vehicles for signs of tampering are just some of the measures necessary to meet ISPS Code requirements.

5. Emergency Response
Response is a key aspect of port facility security. This includes updating emergency response procedures, assigning roles to participants in incident response teams and creating an effective communication process.

This drill simulates an intrusion into Port Facility premises by an “intruder”. He/She will enter unnoticed through a breach in the perimeter fence (e.g. a side gate that has been left open), before security staff detect and intervene according to facility security instructions.

Comprehensive analysis of risk levels within any port or port facility, provided as a Port Security Assessment with accompanying Port Facility Security Plans from Xenia. Easily customize and manage these assessments!