Question & AnswerQ&A (OTS MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02)
The main objective is to equip personnel directly performing maritime security duties with standard training, provide Port Security Officers and Port Facility Security Officers with skills to conduct security assessments and implement security plans, and to provide support staff basic knowledge on security awareness.
All maritime security training courses must be accredited by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), except Standard Training, Certification and Watch-Keeping (STCW) courses.
The mandatory courses include Company Security Officer Course, Port Facility Security Officer Course, Security Awareness Training for Port Facility Personnel with designated Security Duties, and Security Awareness Training for all Port Facility Personnel.
The Institute for Transportation and Security Training and Studies (ITSTS) is responsible for administering the examinations.
Applicants must submit a letter-request indicating the course, schedule and venue, course syllabus or program of instruction, training materials, roster of certified instructors with resumes, and list of participants with certification of employment and local clearances.
The CSO is the person designated by the shipping company to ensure that ship security assessment is carried out, a ship security plan is developed and implemented, and to liaise with the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).
The PFSO is the person designated by the port facility operator responsible for developing, implementing, revising, and maintaining the port facility security plan and for liaison with the SSO and CSO.
Accredited courses or curricula may be denied, recalled, or revoked if they fail to comply with any of the accreditation or continuing requirements.
Port Facility covers locations where ship/port interface takes place, including harbor, anchorages, waiting berths, and approaches from seaward.