Security

Mission Statement

The mission of the Port of Galveston Security Department is to build and sustain lasting relationships with all of our federal and local partners and to provide a safe and secure environment for the general public, employees, tenants, and the surrounding community of the Port of Galveston.

Safety Observation Cards

Safety observation cards are for the recording and reporting of unsafe conditions or practices in the workplace and at job sites. These forms will be summarily used to improve conditions and promote an environment of safety for workers on the Galveston Wharves’ property.

Submit a Safety Observation Card

Drone Policy

To operate a drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

Drone Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Security Requirements

Port of Galveston is currently at MARSEC Level 1.
Port of Galveston’s Facility Security Officer is Philip Tamayo.
Port of Galveston’s Alternate Facility Security Officer is Charles Varnado.
Port of Galveston’s Tertiary Facility Security Officer is Lt Katie Mach.
Port of Galveston has the right to deny entry to anyone.
Access to facility shall be treated as border search & constitutes consent to search all vehicles and persons. Person(s) refusing to such searches will be denied access.
All that enter this facility must possess an approved valid picture ID.
Person(s) requesting un-escorted access must possess a valid TWIC and official business at the port. An approved TWIC Escort must escort all non-TWIC holders.
ID’s consist of pictured State Driver’s License, Government ID, Seaman Card, Military, Federal, State or Local Government cards, Port ID’s.
NO weapons, firearms, alcohol or illicit drugs allowed on facility.
No unauthorized boarding of vessels.
NO UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY.
No unauthorized access to any area designated as “SECURED” or “RESTRICTED”.
No unauthorized parking on dock apron or next to or between cargos.
All entries are logged by time, name, tag #, destination, TWIC/Escort status and authorization.
All cargo and vessel stores entering the Port must have supporting documentation.
Everyone has a civic duty to report suspicious persons and activity (e.g. anyone not adhering to the policy outlined on this document) to Port Police at 409-766-6169 if considered life threatening contact 911.
Our levels of alert are identified by U. S. Coast Guard MARSEC Levels, identified by:
- Level 1 – Normal daily security measures taken.
- Level 2 – Heightened threat of an unlawful act against a Port or Vessel.
- Level 3 – The threat is probable or imminent, possible temporary closure.
Screening measures of personnel, vehicles, cargo, and deliveries will be conducted in accordance with existing MARSEC Level and in accordance with the Ports Facility Security Plan.
All traffic and safety signs in Port must be obeyed at all times.
Only authorized personnel and parking are permitted in Port warehouses.
Port of Galveston Police patrols this facility.
Any and all Security related questions must be directed to Facility Security Officer 409-766-6113 and or Port Police 409-766-6169.
To become an Approved TWIC Escort additional training is required per 33 CFR 105.215.

Gate List Requirements

The Port of Galveston uses Gate Lists to verify authorized access to vessels at the facility in accordance with 33 CFR 105.200(9) and 33 CFR 105.255(B)(4). Beginning September 15, 2010, the Responsible Party for a vessel calling the Port of Galveston is required to submit a Gate List to the Port of Galveston Police Department at least four (4) hours prior to the vessel’s arrival. This list is to be submitted for all vessels calling at the Port of Galveston.

The only authorized agency to submit a Gate ist is the “Responsible Party” as per the Port of Galveston Application for Berth (Berth Application) and must include the following:
Responsible Party contact information (phone, cell, fax, email)
Authorized Person(s) Name, ID number (i.e. Drivers License, State ID, Passport), and Company Name
Each Gate List must be specific to the vessels current call at the Port of Galveston

The method for submittal is:
Submit all Gate Lists to: Email
Insert the Vessel Name in the Subject Line
The list must be submitted as an attachment in authorized format available on the Port’s website: www.portofgalveston.com. The format can also be requested via email to Email or by contacting Port Police at 409-766-6169.

The Port of Galveston will accept amendments to Gate Lists at any time. Amendments should be sent at least one (1) hour prior to visitor(s) arrival to the Port. The amendment must be submitted as an addition onto the original Gate List and the entire list re-submitted.

Please note: A ship’s officer, vessel agent or representative of the Responsible Party will be permitted to authorize a visitor/vendor access to the vessel through the facility with appropriate supporting documentation. The ship’s officer or vessel agent will be required to assume responsibility by signing in the visitor/vendor at the gate.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we refine our policies and procedures to better accommodate the needs of our customers while maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.

Download Gate List Template