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Port facility security assessment (PFSA) template

Port facility security assessment (PFSA) template

Use this checklist for the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) and for conducting a security analysis of all aspects of the operation.

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Port facility security assessment (PFSA) template

Use this checklist for the Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) and for conducting a security analysis of all aspects of the operation.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

Conducting a port facility security assessment (PFSA) template requires meticulous attention to detail and compliance with international maritime security standards. This template breaks down the complex PFSA process into manageable components—from asset identification and vulnerability analysis to threat assessment and countermeasure prioritization.

You’ll have a structured approach to evaluate all aspects of your port facility’s operations and identify security weaknesses before they can be exploited. In one instance, a Mediterranean port used a similar assessment structure to identify and address critical vulnerabilities in their cargo handling areas, preventing potential security breaches before they could occur. The PFSA isn’t just paperwork it’s your roadmap to comprehensive maritime security.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Port Facility Security Risk Assessment
Port Facility Details
Briefly describe the facility, its processes, activities, and people.
Description of Facility Location
Name of Operating Company
Port Postal Address
Port Estate (If applicable)
General Contact Details
Name of Chief Executive Officer
Brief Summary of Port Operations (Estate Size, Activities, Ship Movements, Security Protocols, Traffic)
Please attach Site Plan of the Port
Please attach Flow Diagram of Port
Facility Security Risk Assessment Method
Please briefly describe risk assessment method/s used in conducting the facility security check.
Please list initial list of critical assets identified.
Please list significant threats identified.
Full Name
When was your last PFSO Training Course?
Location of PFSO Training Course
Security Management
Port Security Committee/Port Security Authority
Name of Chair
General Procedures for convening the Chair
General Procedures for recording meetings, minutes, and communicating to members of actions required
Personnel with Security Duties
Does the port management have an organizational structure of port facility security personnel? Please attach proof if YES.
Describe general duties and responsibilities of security personnel and their working hours.
Does the port have security contractors?
Company Name
How many security personnel are under this contractor?
Where can the contractual agreement be found?
Response to and Reporting of Security Threats, Incidents, and Breaches of Security
What are the plans/ procedures for responding to security threats?
What are the reporting procedures to the appropriate authorities and local government units?
Security Training Program
Details of the training program for security personnel
Details of procedures for maintaining training records
Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances
Describe how the port handles these types of materials.
Who directly manages the handling of these materials?
Where can the exact procedures for handling Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances be found?
Exterior
Exterior Physical Inspection
Take a preliminary walk around. Was the area free from anything unusual?
Fencing
Is the perimeter of the facility grounds defined by a fence, wall, or other physical barrier?
Is the fence in good shape (e.g. free of holes, broken posts, large ground clearance gaps)?
Are "NO TRESPASSING" or other applicable signs visible and in good repair?
Gates & Doors
GATES: Starting at the most frequently used or customer entrance and working around the perimeter clockwise, are all gates in good order? Take photos of each.
DOORS: Starting at the most frequently used or customer entrance and working around the perimeter clockwise, are all doors in good order? Take photos of each.
Are cooperative vehicles parked outside?
Were all vehicles locked? Take photos of any unlocked vehicles.
Were keys or HID cards left in the vehicle which would have permitted entry to the building?
Perimeter Lighting
Is the entire perimeter lighted?
Are lights on all night?
Are light fixtures suitable for outside use?
Are lights inspected regularly?
Are lights in good order?
Are lights controlled (activated & deactivated) automatically?
Are control switches or breakers inaccessible to unauthorized persons?
Is lighting adequate for CCTV surveillance?
Exterior CCTV Surveillance
Is the exterior under CCTV Surveillance?
Does the Surveillance cover all entrances?
Is the equipment of sufficient quality to permit identification, i.e. resolution, refresh rate, etc.
Is equipment tested regularly? (note or take a photo of latest test documentation & date)
Interior
Doors, Windows, and Other openings
Are all exterior doors at least 1 3/4 inch solid core wood, metal clad, or metal?
Are all exterior doors properly equipped with locks?
Are all exterior doors equipped with intrusion alarms?
Are all hinge pins internally located, welded, or otherwise treated to prevent easy removal?
Are all unused doors permanently locked?
Are all windows that are not used, permanently closed or locked?
Is the general security of windows facing the perimeter adequate?
Are all accessible skylights, doors, and other openings adequately secured?
Do employees have lockable doors to hide behind in hostile situations?
Is the roof accessible by means of a permanently affixed ladder, fire escape, another building, a pole or tree, or other means?
Do all walls extend to the true ceiling?
Alarm Systems
Does the facility have an intrusion alarm system? (If yes take a photo or note of alarm system details, control location, make, etc)
Is the alarm system used in all areas?
Does the system have AND are employees trained to use duress code functionality?
Is the alarm system tested regularly? (If yes, take a photo or note test documentation, date, etc)
Does the alarm alert a 24/7 dispatch?
Is there an emergency power source for all alarms?
Are alarm signal records maintained?
Do appropriate employees know alarm functionality?
Are safes and vaults equipped with an alarm system?
Does the facility have operable panic alarms?
Is the system tested regularly? (If yes, take a photo or note test documentation, date, etc)
Are they located optimally? Does everyone who should have one, have one?
Do employees know how to use them? (Confirm by asking 2 employees if they know how)
Interview: Port Facility Manager
Manager
What is your job title?
Security process questions
Does manager know who is responsible for opening and closing the facility?
Does manager know procedure for arming and disarming alarms?
Does manager know procedure for responding to alerts?
Proactive questions
Are visitors limited to a single entrance/exit point?
Do you know what to do if you identify a facility-related security concern like a door that won't lock? (Does employee correctly respond with: notify facilities for repair & notify supervisor for further guidance?)
Are you aware of any personnel-related security concerns?
Do you know where to direct an employee who might be suffering from emotional problems? (Correct only if employee identifies EAP)
Are you aware if, in the last 3 years, this facility has been left unsecured (e.g. doors found unlocked, alarm unarmed, etc.)?
Are visitors escorted 100% of the time?
Reactive questions
Does employee know 3 options for responding to a hostile situation? (Run, hide, fight)
Can employee quickly identify two nearest exits?
Can employee identify a safe hiding spot? (Preferably behind a locked door)
Does employee know how to operate panic alarm equipment (if applicable)?
Can employee quickly identify two potential improvised weapons?
Interview: Employees
What is your job title?
Proactive questions
Are visitors limited to a single entrance/exit point?
Do you know what to do if you identify a facility-related security concern like a door that won't lock? (Does employee correctly respond with: notify facilities for repair & notify supervisor for further guidance?)
Are you aware of any personnel-related security concerns?
Do you know where to direct an employee who might be suffering from emotional problems? (Correct only if employee identifies EAP)
Are you aware if, in the last 3 years, this facility has been left unsecured (e.g. doors found unlocked, alarm unarmed, etc.)?
Are visitors escorted 100% of the time?
Reactive questions
Does employee know 3 options for responding to a hostile situation? (Run, hide, fight)
Can employee quickly identify two nearest exits?
Can employee identify a safe hiding spot? (Preferably behind a locked door)
Does employee know how to operate panic alarm equipment (if applicable)?
Can employee quickly identify two potential improvised weapons?
Response Agencies and Control Authorities
Name
Address
Contact Details
Observation Summary and Recommendation
Please summarize your noted observations and recommendations for the development of the Facility Security Plan. You can also assign actions to responsible individuals and set deadlines for task completion.
Observations
Recommendations
Assessment Sign-Off
Facility Security Officer
Facility Security Manager
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Frequently asked questions

What specific elements must be included in a port facility security assessment (PFSA) template?

A compliant PFSA must include identification of critical assets and infrastructure, assessment of possible threats and their likelihood, evaluation of existing security measures, identification of vulnerabilities, and prioritization of countermeasures. The template guides you through each required element while ensuring you meet ISPS Code Section 15.5 requirements.

How does the PFSA template help identify security vulnerabilities?

The template provides a structured approach to examining all operational aspects of your port facility, including physical security, procedural policies, and communication systems. You’ll be guided through a systematic risk analysis process that helps reveal weak points in your security posture that might otherwise be overlooked during casual inspections.

How can I ensure my PFSA meets international compliance standards?

The template is structured around ISPS Code requirements and includes compliance checkpoints throughout. You’ll be prompted to address all mandatory elements while the built-in review sections help ensure nothing is overlooked. This systematic approach helps ensure your assessment will satisfy regulatory inspections and audits.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.