Before an FSO can assume their duties, they must:

1) possess a valid TWIC, and

2) have general knowledge, through training or equivalent job experience, in 6 of the required 21 elements listed in 33 CFR 105.205, and

3) have knowledge of and receive training in the other 15 elements.

33 CFR 105.205 reads:

(1) The FSO must have general knowledge, through training or equivalent job experience, in the following:

(i) Security organization of the facility;

(ii) General vessel and facility operations and conditions;

(iii) Vessel and facility security measures, including the meaning and the requirements of the different MARSEC Levels;

(iv) Emergency preparedness, response, and contingency planning;

(v) Security equipment and systems, and their operational limitations; and

(vi) Methods of conducting audits, inspections, control, and monitoring techniques.

(2) In addition to knowledge and training required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the FSO must have knowledge of and receive training in the following, as appropriate:

(i) Relevant international laws and codes, and recommendations;

(ii) Relevant government legislation and regulations;

(iii) Responsibilities and functions of local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies;

(iv) Security assessment methodology;

(v) Methods of facility security surveys and inspections;

(vi) Instruction techniques for security training and education, including security measures and procedures;

(vii) Handling sensitive security information and security related communications;

(viii) Current security threats and patterns;

(ix) Recognizing and detecting dangerous substances and devices;

(x) Recognizing characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security;

(xi) Techniques used to circumvent security measures;

(xii) Conducting physical searches and non-intrusive inspections;

(xiii) Conducting security drills and exercises, including exercises with vessels; and

(xiv) Assessing security drills and exercises.

(xv) Knowledge of TWIC requirements.

It is the FSO’s duty to ensure they remain competent and informed on all the latest changes and trends associated with maritime security. Take another look at these 21 elements and ask yourself, have you, or the FSO and/or the Alternate FSOs received the proper training or have the equivalent job experience? Really?? If it’s been 2-3 years or more since you’ve taken a CG approved FSO Course, find a S&A FSO course in a location and time that works for you. We recommend taking our one-day FSO Refresher course every year.

Next week we’ll see what other duties the FSO must perform.