Seaport security, security planning, vulnerability risks and assessments and more are just a few things addressed during a three-day training FSO course offered by Port Manatee.

The course – which earned previous certification in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, is now acknowledged and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We are pleased to have gained this heightened level of federal certification for this vital security officer training,” said David St. Pierre, Port Manatee’s director of public safety and security.

“Over the past 15 years, more than 1,150 graduates from throughout the nation have completed approved FSO training at Port Manatee, which continues to be the only seaport in the United States certified to offer such a course.”

Port security and retired Coast Guard officers are in charge of teaching the three-day course which is offered on a quarterly basis and has been offered for 15 years. It focuses heavily on U.S. and international regulatory requirements as listed above. Among the retired Coast Guard officers in charge include lead instructor St. Pierre and retired commander Edmond Morris.

Port Manatee’s course is known as the only approved facility officer training program by a U.S. seaport, now boasting an advanced and new level of certification and recognition. Port Manatee takes pride in being the closest deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal and boasts a $2.5 billion economic impact. More than 24,000 jobs overall are supported as well.