ISPS & Port / Marine Facility Security Officer
(PFSO / MFSO)
Become a certified Port/Marine Facility Security Officer in just 18 hours. A fully online course following the IMO model course, covering every subject required of the person performing the PFSO role.
The PFSO role, taught to the IMO model course
This is a fully online PFSO/MFSO course following the IMO model course. It covers all of the subjects instructed by the IMO and is key to ensuring that those persons performing the role of the Port/Marine Facility Security Officer fully understand their duties and responsibilities.
The course gives you the essential education and training required to be certified as a Port/Marine Facility Security Officer and to meet the requirements set out in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
You can enter and exit the course as often as you require — it is entirely self-paced, with no requirement to attend a classroom at any stage, including the final assessment.
Eighteen hours, eight chapters, entirely online
This course follows the IMO model course and covers every subject required of the person performing the PFSO role.
Confirmation questions close each chapter, the final assessment is proctored online with no classroom to attend, and you keep access to all materials for six months.
Certified training without the travel, the hotel or the time off work
A classroom PFSO course costs you more than its fee: flights, accommodation, meals and days away from the facility. This programme is delivered entirely online, at your own pace, with six months of access to every chapter and the course manual.
A hardcopy certificate is posted to your address free of charge on successful completion.
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
These objectives reflect the formal learning outcomes established in the course syllabus.
- ✓Develop, maintain and oversee the implementation of comprehensive Port Facility Security Plans to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
- ✓Assess security risks, threats and vulnerabilities to strengthen the facility’s defence mechanisms and preparedness.
- ✓Conduct regular inspections of the port facility to verify the implementation and maintenance of effective security measures.
- ✓Ensure the proper operation, testing and calibration of security equipment and systems.
- ✓Foster a culture of heightened security awareness and vigilance among port facility personnel through effective communication and training.
Eight chapters, confirmation questions and a final assessment
Each chapter closes with multiple-choice confirmation questions. The course includes the course manual and a final assessment. Select a chapter to read its scope.
01Introduction à l'Académie
How the course works, how it is tracked and what is expected of you.
Navigation, marking sections complete, break guidance, the course manual, the student verification form and how your activity is tracked, reported and confirmed.
02Aperçu Historique
Where maritime security regulation came from.
Historical perspective on maritime security, the events that shaped SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, and current security threats and patterns affecting ports and marine facilities.
03Cadres de Sûreté Maritime
The instruments that define your authority and duties.
Maritime security policy, SOLAS chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code, the IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports, and the security responsibilities of Contracting Governments, the facility, the PFSO, the SSO and the CSO.
04Évaluations de la Sûreté Portuaire
Identify what must be protected and where you are exposed.
Threat identification, vulnerability and consequence assessment, on-scene security surveys, restricted areas, access points and how the assessment feeds the Port Facility Security Plan.
05Plan de Sûreté des Installations Portuaires
Develop, maintain and oversee the implementation of the plan.
Structure and required content of the PFSO plan, approval and amendment, record keeping, confidentiality, and how the plan translates into day-to-day procedures at each security level.
06Mesures, Procédures et Sensibilisation en Matière de Sûreté
Measures that work at security levels 1, 2 and 3.
Access control, cargo and stores handling, unaccompanied baggage, monitoring, security equipment operation, testing and calibration, and building heightened security awareness among facility personnel.
07Planification de Contingence
Prepare for, respond to and recover from a security incident.
Contingency plans, declarations of security, escalation and communication, coordination with ships, authorities and first responders, drills and exercises, and ship security actions.
08Administration de la Sûreté
Run the paperwork the role is judged on.
Documentation, records, audits and inspections, reporting, corrective action, security training requirements and the administration expected of the PFSO by the Designated Authority.
The programme closes with the final assessment, course feedback and your certificate.
A course meeting all of the requirements
Every subject instructed by the IMO for the PFSO role is covered, from historical perspective through to security administration and training.
Download the official course syllabus for the full subject breakdown.
This course is for professionals who need the essential education and training to be certified as a Port/Marine Facility Security Officer and to meet the requirements set out in the ISPS Code. There are no pre-requisites.
Globally recognized & industry approved
Virtual Maritime Academy is a DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider; this course is a DNV Certified Learning Programme in accordance with DNV ST-0008 and is accredited by The CPD Group, awarding 18 CPD credits.
DNV Certified Learning Programme
18 CPD creditsAccredited Activity
CPD Approved Provider #783378Proctored online, with a passing mark of 70%
There are multiple-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and a final assessment. The final assessment is fully online with no need to attend a classroom, and a proctor will be assigned to monitor you throughout.
As required by Transport Canada, DNV and The CPD Group, you must complete a short online verification form from within the course, including a scanned copy of an official government-issued photo ID. Your hardcopy certificate is then posted to your address free of charge.
Conforms to the instruments you work to
The online PFSO/MFSO course is internationally accepted. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to the following instruments and guidance.
Take on the PFSO role with confidence
The Port/Marine Facility Security Officer is accountable for the facility’s security assessment, its Port Facility Security Plan, its equipment, its drills and the awareness of everyone who works there.
This course gives you the knowledge, the certification and the practical procedures required to carry that responsibility — completed entirely online, in approximately 18 hours, at your own pace.
Revision 6, 2026. A hardcopy certificate is posted to your address free of charge.