Port security training and education in Europe—a framework and a roadmap to harmonization

Training of human resources in port facilities is of particular importance, especially if one considers that cargo crime could be facilitated by negligence or support of personnel. Recommendations regarding training and education are available in the SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ISPS code. However, experts claim that too much freedom of interpretation is given to these frameworks in the process to define security training and education. As a consequence, harmonization of security may be hindered, leaving weak points and compromising commitment, security culture and awareness. In this paper, we aim to understand the present status of port security training and education courses that today are offered in Sweden. In particular, we look at the market for these services and the current level of harmonization. Results show that level of commitment, size of ports, cultural and working conditions may affect the outcome of security courses. From a harmonization viewpoint, we found that more work need to be done to ensure the development of common requirements on EU level, quality assurance systems, and distance learning courses. This paper concludes with a roadmap to harmonization for governments.