Port Security (Hansard, 19 April 2004)

§ Mr. Jamieson

The International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code does not set any training standards for Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) and each Contracting Government is able to determine the detail of the training course to be undertaken.

Unlike the vast majority of countries the UK requires PFSOs to complete a Government approved training course. My Department's Transport Security 60W Directorate (TRANSEC) developed training standards and course criteria for PFSOs in the UK, and approves the training provider.

The UK's implemontation of the IPSPS Code does not require ports to monitor chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) traffic. However the Home Office and customs are taking forward a programme to install radiation detection equipment at points of entry into the UK (including airports, seaports and the Channel Tunnel). Under this initiative Customs Officers, who are responsible for detecting and deterring illicit import and export of radioactive materials, have received specialist training in operating the equipment and the incident response procedures.

PFSOs will however work in partnership with Customs Officers when necessary, and will be aware of the detection equipment at points of entry into the UK.

As required by the ISPS code each port will detail how it is going to achieve access control to its restricted areas, and this may include subjecting vehicles (including lorries), persons and their possessions to checks and searches. In addition ports will be required to formalise pass systems to help prevent unauthorised access to these operational areas of the port. Access control and how to maintain pass systems are covered in the PFSO training courses and security instructi9ons that have been issued to industry.