This week’s blog will explain the Facility Security Officer’s (FSO) role and build on the first two levels of the Seebald Facility Security Pyramid in which the FSO must ensure the FSA is conducted and the FSP is developed.

33 CFR 105.400 requires the FSO to be identified by name with 24-hour contact information because they are the primary custodian of the FSP and responsible for ensuring the plan’s security measures are carried out. The FSO is also required to have general knowledge, through training or equivalent job experience in 21 elements outlined in 33 CFR 105.205.

The FSO is also responsible for security awareness and vigilance of the facility personnel, ensure security training to personnel with security duties, ensure occurrences that threaten the facility security is documented and reported to the owner or operator, ensure maintenance of records, preparation and submission of required reports plus a lot more that will be covered in coming weeks.

The FSO’s security responsibilities are abundant and time-consuming, requiring dedication and security to be a priority. Creating a solid security culture starts with the FSO.