Port Security & Public Safety

Security & Safety
Are Our Top Priorities

As a vital link in the global supply chain, Port Houston maintains extensive safety, and security programs. Port Houston has dedicated teams in Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and Security, ready to respond to any incident that occurs in or around the Houston Ship Channel. For emergencies on port property, please contact Port Houston Dispatch Emergency at 713-670-3611. Any non-emergencies, you can reach the Dispatch center at 713-670-3620.

PHYSICAL SECURITY & CYBERSECURITY

Security follows a layered protocol to protect our critical physical infrastructure, including more than 25 miles of perimeter. In 2008, the Port’s Security Management System (SMS) was first certified to ISO 28000:2007, making Port Houston the first port authority in the world to receive this international security designation. All Port operated terminals are certified to this standard which sets out stringent requirements for security management. We are also certified in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) for cargo enforcement. We work with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.

Port Security ensures compliance with applicable security regulations and acts as a direct liaison with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard. Port Houston’s public facilities are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the MTSA. To make sure that you comply with these regulations, follow all signage at gates and instructions by security guards. In accordance with federal security regulations, random vehicle screenings are performed at all Port Houston entry points. Refusal to permit this screening will result in denied access.

Do your part for Port Security by:

  • Presenting a valid ID at entry points,
  • Submitting to random vehicle screening when requested,
  • Obeying posted signs and requirements, and
  • Reporting suspicious activity to the Port Dispatch Center

In addition to our physical security, Port Houston has created an extensive cybersecurity program that helps safeguard the integrity of our operations. As a vital link in the global supply chain, any threat to Port Houston is a threat to economic stability on a local, state, and national level. Our cybersecurity team protects critical infrastructure by detecting suspicious activity, deterring intruders, preventing incidents, and responding swiftly to neutralize active threats. In terms of resilience, we have optimized to increase coverage and improved technology architecture, which increases data security and ensures business continuity.


POLICE DEPARTMENT

Port Houston’s Police Department operates 24/7/365, responding to various calls around the Port. Port Police and security officials work together to provide around-the-clock emergency response on Port Houston facilities, and coordinate activities with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The police department also operates a Dispatch Center for all police, fire, medical and HAZMAT emergency responses.

Contact Port Houston’s non-emergency dispatch by calling 713-670-3620.

Under the provisions in our Facility Security Plans, which went into effect on January 1, 2016, neither concealed nor open carry of firearms are permitted in Port Houston’s facilities, including buildings, docks and other secured or restricted areas.

For TCOLE Training Opportunities offered by the Port Police, consult the Training Calendar, Training Registration Form and Training Center Rules.

If you have a compliment or a complaint about an officer, please refer to these instructions and complete this form.

Port Houston is a member of Houston Crime Stoppers. Anyone wanting to remain anonymous and share any info can call 713-222-TIPS (8477), or Text to: CRIMES274637, then text TIP610 plus your tip.

For copies of police reports, please contact our Public Information Manager at [email protected] or 713-670-2450.


Fire Department

Port Houston’s Fire Department is the Houston Ship Channel’s first line of response for ship collisions, sinking vessels, HAZMAT spills, and more. Currently, the fire department operates three fire stations strategically stationed along the Houston Ship Channel. The personnel and equipment fight marine and land fires and respond to other emergencies throughout the ship channel and its tributaries.

Port Houston operates three fireboats, three HAZMAT trucks, 3 class A pumpers and to respond to fires, rescues, hazardous materials and oil spills and releases. The fireboats help the ship channel industrial complex stay strong and safe.

All of our firefighters are certified by the state of Texas as Structural Firefighter, Marine Firefighter, HazMat Technician and EMT. All our pilots and captains are licensed U.S. Coast Guard masters.

Hot work permits are required for any welding or hot work – oxyacetylene, electric or any other welding or burning or other ‘hot work’ – within the territorial jurisdiction of the Port. A hot work permit is obtained from Port Houston’s Fire Inspector for any welding, burning or other hot work to be performed at Port Houston facilities. Arrangements to obtain a hot work permit should be made 24 hours prior to hot work being performed except in emergency situations.

In an after-hour emergency situation, a hot work permit can be obtained by contacting port dispatch who will notify the appropriate fire department personnel.


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation of emergencies and major disasters at Port Houston. Read more about our Emergency Management team here.


SAFETY

Port Houston is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment to all employees, contractors, and visitors alike.

Our safety policy is based on the principle that all injuries are preventable, with absolutely no tolerance of unsafe conditions or behaviors.

Port Houston employees have made a personal commitment to a safe work environment by immersing themselves in the safety culture. The Port is committed to continual improvement of its operations and the prevention of injury and illnesses by focusing on health, safety, quality, productivity, cost effectiveness and environmental improvement.