Graduation for PD Ports security staff

Security staff at PD Ports are set to celebrate their graduation after completing a unique course at Teesside University.

21 security officers have completed the University Certificate in Professional Development (UCPD) Ports Facility Security.

There will be a special ceremony at Teesside University on Thursday 14 June to mark their graduation.

The course, accredited by Teesside University and developed in conjunction with PD Ports, specifically addresses the learning needs of employees who operate within the ports environment as Port Facility Security Officers.

Continued professional development One of the Port Facility Security Officers graduating in Thursday’s ceremony is Mark Savage, 42, who used to work in the RAF.

He said: 'The most attractive aspect of this job is the focus on continued professional development and the investment that goes into employees, just like the UCPD I’ve completed. The fact that this certificate is accredited by Teesside University makes it even more appealing as I know the standard is very high.

'The skills I have obtained during the course have gone hand in hand with my day-to-day practice at the port and I have learned a lot about border security processes and regulations and working alongside other authorities such as Cleveland Police and the UK Border Agency. The job is fascinating as I deal with all incoming and outgoing ships and speak to people from all over the world.'

The main aim of the UCPD Ports Facility Security is to ensure the knowledge, understanding and application of the International Ship and Port Facility Security code and ISPS. The ISPS code was developed and introduced in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. It is a set of special measures that were introduced to enhance maritime security in the international convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Fundamental to the role of a Port Facility Security Officers is the ability to identify threats and vulnerabilities within their particular port facility area specifically related to their operation.

The Teesside University accredited programme links theory to practice. Students are required to undertake a number of assessment tasks that test their knowledge and understanding of ISPS and then apply this knowledge to a table top exercise that demonstrates how they would manage a particular security incident.

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning & Student Experience, said: 'We are thrilled to be holding this special graduation to congratulate the graduates from PD Ports. We are one of the country’s leading universities for employer engagement and as such we are delighted to work with a company that is widely recognised as providing one of the main gateways to and from the UK’s economy to extend higher level skills in the workplace.'

Teesside University works in partnership with PD Ports and launched a unique foundation degree in Leadership and Management (Ports) in 2009, offered part-time over two years.

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