Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the master developer of ports and industrial zones, has launched the internationally recognised Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) course for candidates from across the UAE.

The PFSO training course, which follows the model implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has been approved by the UAE National Supreme Security Council, the General Authority for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones, said a statement.

The three-day course teaches the candidates the specialist knowledge and required skills to successfully take over the duties and responsibilities of a PFSO as defined by the Solas (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The duties and responsibilities include the ability to develop a comprehensive port facility security plan, to conduct comprehensive security inspections, to enhance security awareness and vigilance among port facility personnel, and to ensure that security equipment is adequately calibrated, operated and maintained at all times.

The first four candidates have successfully completed the PFSO course at ADPC’s training facilities in Musaffah, said the statement.

Sultan Al Jaberi, VP regulations, HSE and security, said: “Each and every port is an important strategic gateway to a country. With this in mind, the security measures taken by port facility security staff are extremely important to guarantee safe and flawless operations for all maritime personnel and customers alike.”

“By opening up our PFSO training to candidates from all over the country, we not only want to offer our world class training courses to a wider audience but also to promote international maritime standards across the UAE,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service