The Facility Security Symposium and FSO Academy were created for members of the national and international port communities. Our goal - Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Threats.

The Facility Security Symposium provides a unique opportunity to have direct access to the leaders who establish regulatory requirements as well as industry trailblazers who demonstrate best practices and procedures. The FSO Academy offers U.S. Coast Guard approved, best-in-industry training for key port security personnel, such as Company Security Officers and Facility Security Officers.

The Symposium brings port facility professionals from around the country and world to share their expertise as well as examine current and future trends. Attendees will hear from senior U.S. Coast Guard personnel and other key partners who will deliver cutting-edge insight on regulatory changes with a spotlight on exemplary facilities that are leading the way.

The Facility Security Symposium begins at 2:00pm on February 26, 2025 and finishes up at 4:00pm February 27.   Mr. Charles Blackmore, Coast Guard Cybersecurity representative from the Office of Port & Facility Compliance will discuss the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act and the new cybersecurity NVIC 02-24 and what this means for the Facility Security Officer.  

The keynote speaker, John Halinski, SRI Group LLC, will present the insights on the threats from unmanned aerial vehicles as well as the strategies used in maritime and port operations and other critical infrastructure regarding drones.

The Facility Security Symposium includes an Awards Ceremony and Reception on February 26 from 6:00 to 8:00pm.  Seebald & Associates will be acknowledging high-performing facilities and organizations.  The reception will include food and drinks sponsored by TBD.

On February 27th, Captain Andrew Meyers, Office of Port & Facility Compliance will discuss recent policy changes, the updated NVIC 03-03 change 3, and most common violations during compliance inspections.  Leadership Lessons - From 45 Years of Mistakes - Captain John Felker, USCG (ret.) will hold a discussion of important leadership principles with practical application.   Active Shooter/Insider Threat - Special Agent FBI, Mark Gibbons, Atlanta Field Office will present on the preparedness and response with a focus on pre-incident sympotoms and behavioral signs.  Billy Gouveia, CEO and Founder of Surefire Cyber will present the cyber threats and risks posed to companies today along with the most common vulnerabilities these companies exhibited contributing to their cyber attacks, the response, the consequences from cyber attacks and recommended preventive cybersecurity measures for both businesses and individuals.

To maximize attendee experience and access to subject matter specialists, the Facility Security Symposium will have a limited capacity. Registration confirmation will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your travel plans and register today!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Three-Day U.S. Coast Guard - Approved Facility Security Officer Course

This course is designed for new FSO and Alternate FSOs, for upper level managers of FSOs, and for FSOs who have not taken the course in the past 3 years. The FSO Academy features a three day U.S. Coast Guard Approved - Facility Security Officer Course February 24 - 26. This highly interactive and engaging course focuses on the knowledge and skills required of Facility Security Officers. The scope of this industry renowned training is designed to satisfy the maritime security training requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, Chapter IX-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the IMO IPS Code, and relevant U.S. Coast Guard regulations. In particular, the duties and responsibilities with respect to security of a port facility, for ensuring the development of a Facility Security Assessment, for ensuring the development of, implementing, maintaining and updating a Facility Security Plan, and for liaising with Vessel Security Officers (VSOs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs)

One Day FSO Refresher Course

This course is designed for FSOs and Alternate FSOs who have taken the FSO course within the past 3 years. The FSO Academy offers a one-day Refresher Course on February 25th for those who have previously been certified in a Seebald & Associates’ U.S. Coast Guard approved Facility Security Officer course. This refresher provides participants an update on recent changes in laws and regulations that are vital to understand. This course will re-ground you in your duties and responsibilities with respect to security of a port facility, implementing, maintaining and updating a Facility Security Plan, identifying emerging threats, and liaising with regulatory agencies.

Facility Security Symposium

The Facility Security Symposium begins on Wednesday, February 26th at 2:00pm and is scheduled to conclude 5:00pm Thursday, February 27th. The Symposium will be filled with informative sessions by security experts in the field and representatives of exemplary port facilities from around the country. The size of the Symposium will be limited to provide for dialog and discussion among all participants.

Award Reception

The Facility Security Symposium Day One culminates with an evening cocktail reception open to all registrants. In addition to the exceptional social networking opportunity Seebald & Associates CEO, Commander Edward P. Seebald, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), will announce the "Ports of Excellence" awards in a ceremony that formally recognizes exemplary port facilities and personnel.

Who Should Attend the Facility Security Symposium & FSO Academy: