Maritime Security Guard

There are differences between the duties and responsibilities of a security officer working at a shopping centre and that of a maritime security guard working at a security regulated port, a security regulated offshore facility or on-board a security regulated ship.

MSGs may perform a range of security roles including:

• Access control;

• Controlling embarkation/disembarkation of people, baggage and cargo onto a security regulated ship;

• Monitoring of maritime security zones;

• Provision of security services including patrols;

• Supervision of cargo and ship stores;

• Checking of documentation (including identity documents); and

• Monitoring of closed circuit television.

The primary role of an MSG is to maintain the integrity of an active maritime security zone established under the Act and as such all powers can be used within the zone. A ‘maritime security zone’ is defined in Section 10 of the Act to include:

• Port security zones (eg. landside-restricted zones, waterside-restricted zones and cleared zones)

• Ship security zones

• On-board security zones, or

• Offshore security zones.

Under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA), MSGs have been provided with similar powers to those of a regular security guard. These powers allow an MSG to:

• Request people to produce identification and state reasons for being in maritime security zones;

• Restrain and detain people;

• Remove unauthorised people from maritime security zones if they do not leave when requested to do so; and

• Remove unauthorised vehicles and vessels from maritime security zones if a guard is unable to have the vehicles or vessels removed by persons in control of them

Pre-requisites

MSGs are individuals who have met the training and qualification requirements of Regulation 8.50, in that they:

• Hold at least a Certificate II in Security Operations or equivalent that is in force;

• Hold a licence to work as a security guard in the State or Territory; and

• Have a working knowledge of the Act and Regulations, including knowledge about how to restrain and detain individuals.

Course Outcomes

MSG Role and working knowledge of the MTOFSA:

• Understand the purpose and intent of the MTOFSA:

• Understand the legislation that covers MSGs, including the different types of security zones, the maritime security levels and what they mean.

• Understand the duties and responsibilities of an MSG

• Understand each of the powers provided to MSGs, the restrictions placed on each of the provided powers, and the requirements in relation to the use of each of the provided powers

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance, and Apply for a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)

Career Outcomes

Undertake job roles as a Maritime Security Guard (MSG)