ABS Quality Evaluations (ABS QE) certified the security management system of the Port of Houston Authority (PHA), Port Police to ISO 28000:2007. The PHA has become the first port authority in the world to receive ISO 28000:2007 certification.

The international standard specifies the requirements for a security management system, including those aspects critical to security assurance of all aspects of the business management. ISO 28000:2007 was developed in response to demand from industry for a security management standard, with an ultimate objective to improve the security of supply chains.

“This latest accomplishment of being the first port in the world to be Security ISO 28000:2007 certified is due to the hard work and dedication of the port’s staff and is further evidence of the Port of Houston Authority’s proactive philosophy to lead by example,” said PHA Chairman James T. Edmonds. “This initial certification is only the first part of our continual improvement process, which will lead to the eventual certification of all our terminals.”

The certification comes after a three-year process of the development of PHA’s Security Management System (SMS) and its application to Port Police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals. It validates not only PHA’s attention to U.S. Coast Guard regulations but also that PHA has gone beyond the requirements, while still ensuring the efficient movement of commerce.

“We are gratified to have been selected to audit the Port of Houston Authority,” said Chuck Russo, president of ABS Quality Evaluations. “We were impressed with the robustness of the Port of Houston Authority’s management system and the significant effort the Port has put in to achieve this.”

The comprehensive, independent audit by ABS Quality Evaluations validates that PHA is on track with its security measures. These include improvements in security processes, procedures and practices, more detailed and efficient monitoring and documentation, broader training of the PHA police force and security partners and more efficient processing of vehicles through its gates.

PHA’s Security Management System was modeled after its highly successful Environmental Management System, which made it the first port authority in the world to attain ISO 14000 certification in 2002.