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Port security officers inspect cargo, protect passengers, and prevent terrorists and criminals from crossing international borders. They may be government employees or contracted by private security companies. Officers inspect paperwork and cargo containers to detect illegal goods and ensure customs duties are paid. They also check passports and patrol ports to prevent unauthorized access. Some officers operate boats or aircraft to patrol the waters around the port. They may be members of the police force, coast guard, or armed forces.
A port security officer is responsible for inspecting cargo, protecting passengers and ensuring that terrorists and other criminals cannot cross international borders. Generally, port security personnel are paid by government agencies. In some cases, security officers are full-time national or regional government employees, while in other cases, government agencies contract private security companies to provide port security.
Ships from all over the world pass through major international ports. A port security officer must inspect the paperwork detailing the cargo contained on each ship passing through the ports, even if part of the cargo is not unloaded at that location. Generally, cargo ships carry large metal containers inside which large quantities of goods are stored. A port security officer has the authority to carry out an onboard inspection, which may involve opening and inspecting cargo containers. These surveys are designed to detect the movement of illegal goods, such as weapons or drugs, as well as to detect quantities of goods that shipping companies may attempt to offload without paying the necessary customs duties.
Terrorists and other fugitives sometimes try to cross international borders in ports. Consequently, security personnel are responsible for checking the passports and driving licenses of ship crew and passengers. In many cases, security officers patrol major ports to ensure that no one other than crew members and paying passengers can access boats and cargo. A port security officer may work with government agencies and share information related to suspected terrorist or criminal activity. In some countries, security officers must cross-check lists of passengers and personnel with watch lists of known criminals.
While many port security officers are land-based, some officers operate boats that patrol the port. Typically, they are responsible for ensuring that smugglers and other criminals do not make illicit drops off docks or illegal trespasses in sovereign waters. Additionally, some ports employ air security officers who patrol the waters around the port in helicopters or light aircraft. Patrol officers liaise with personnel working in control centers. Dispatchers located in the control center can alert patrol officers to unrecognized boats and marine vessels being tracked by radar or sonar.
A port security officer may be a member of the police force, coast guard or even the armed forces. Some governments employ officers only to guard ports, while in other cases municipal governments organize local police officers to handle port security along with their other tasks inland. Many ports are owned and operated by the government, and some governments contract with large security companies to provide security at various ports. Privately owned ports often employ in-house security personnel, although these individuals typically have to go through some sort of government-administered screening process.
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