Meet the Front Line: Personnel with Security Duties Under 33 CFR 105

When you think of maritime security, you might picture high-speed boats and dramatic movie scenes – but the real heroes? They’re the personnel with security duties (PSD), the boots-on-the-dock ensuring your facility or terminal isn’t the next action movie set.

Under 33 CFR 105, which governs maritime facility security in the U.S., these individuals are the facility’s first line of defense. Think of them as part bouncer, part detective, and part diplomat. Their job isn’t just to scan badges or monitor a gate – they’re trained in access control, screening, and responding to threats ranging from suspicious packages to unauthorized drone flyovers (yep, that’s a thing now).

According to Coast Guard guidance, PSDs must know their Facility Security Plan (FSP) like the back of their hand. They receive specific training outlined in 33 CFR 105.210: recognizing dangerous substances, emergency procedures, using surveillance equipment, and yes—even how to communicate with the Coast Guard if things go sideways.

But it’s not all regulations and rulebooks. The job requires sharp instincts, calm under pressure, and a healthy dose of common sense. After all, no two days at a port facility are the same – one day you’re checking IDs, the next you’re coordinating a response to a security drill (or real-world incident).

So next time you see someone in a high-vis vest checking TWICs with a focused look, give ’em a nod. They’re not just doing their job – they’re guarding a gateway to global commerce. And that’s no small task.