EU funds help enhance port security

The PSMS is an interactive real-time dashboard that delivers information skills and methodologies that enable security professionals to maintain, evaluate and upgrade their security measures and create security awareness.

Henk van Unnik, who launched the system at the Transport Security Expo in London last month said: “The PSMS is unique. It is the first tool of its kind which incorporates an up-to-date, self-assessment guide to enable maritime security practitioners to successfully upgrade their corporate security.”

SUPPORT’s system comprises five modules including a maturity module designed to enable professionals to review and upgrade security plans; a corporate security module which addresses crime risks and an e-learning education and examination module based on best practices of ISPS-related maritime security educations including drills and exercises.

It also comprises a sharing and decision support module which enables professionals to supervise facilities via the internet and to collaborate on a local, national or global scale, and an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) security self-assessment module which provides a system to reach compliancy and submit AEO application.

The web-based dashboard has been developed as part of Security Upgrade for PORTs (SUPPORT) – coordinated by BMT Group and part-funded by the European Commission’s FP7 Security Research Programme.