Security
Portsmouth International Port places your safety and security as our highest priority.
One of the most visible aspects of the security process is making sure our passengers do not take on-board prohibited items. You can help us to make this quicker for you by following our guidelines.
Searches at the port
In the interests of public safety and security you may be required to submit yourself, your baggage, and your vehicle to search prior to entering the restricted area of the port.
Failure to comply with the security staff could result in refusal to enter the restricted area for onward travel.
We appreciate that these checks may result in a short delay before you board your vessel, but since safety’s our top priority, we take security checks seriously. We kindly ask that you co-operate fully with the security staff to enable them to carry out their checks as quickly as possible.
Our metal detection arches are safe for all of our passengers to use. If you are selected for searching please be re-assured that it is safe for medical implants such as pacemakers, as well as other medical conditions. If you have any concerns over using this equipment please notify a member of security staff so that a hand body search can be conducted.
The use of photography equipment is not permitted within the security search areas. This includes mobile phones and dash cams, which should be turned off. Crash helmets, earphones or similar should also be removed.
These searches are authorised under regulation (EC) No 725/2004 on Enhancing Ship and Port Facility Security. The port also operates under the regulations of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code and Port Security Regulations 2009.
What you can and can’t take
To make sure everyone can travel safely with us, there are a few things that aren’t allowed on ships under any circumstances. This is not an exhaustive list and we recommend you check with your carrier if in doubt. You can find more information on the Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries websites.
There are no restrictions on the carriage of liquids. Neither liquids nor electronic need to be removed from your luggage prior to passing through x-ray machines. It is perfectly safe to carry your photographic equipment through security. Our x-ray machines won’t harm your film or camera.
Knives and sharps: Any items that could be used as an offensive weapon will be confiscated. No blades regardless of length or being legal are allowed through security when travelling as a foot passenger. Knife amnesty boxes are located at the entrances to security check points for customers to place any blades into. Security staff can advise if required. All items will be disposed of by the port authority.
Guns and firearms: Only motorists are permitted to bring sporting guns on board. These must be declared to your carrier at the time of booking and at check-in. All firearms must be accompanied by a current valid Firearm, Shotgun or Registered Firearms Dealers (RFD) certificate and these should be available for inspection on request by security personnel at the port. Any article having the appearance of being a firearm is also prohibited.
The carriage of fireworks is strictly forbidden. Fireworks found in passenger vehicles or foot passenger luggage will be confiscated and destroyed.
Passengers travelling with a vehicle may carry petrol or diesel up to the total amount of 5L per vehicle providing it is in a sealed canister designed specifically for carrying fuel.
Mail and Sail
Mail and Sail is a mail service for prohibited items, located at security control at the port.
Passengers now have the opportunity to have their prohibited items returned by courier. When choosing the service, passengers receive an individual reference number that acts as a tracking number.
Alternatively, passengers can fill out a disclaimer form to surrender the items.
The service is managed by Ceanos, who operate the shop and other facilities within the terminal. Find out more about the service here.
Our staff have the right to work in a safe environment
We will not tolerate verbal abuse or harassment of our staff. Any abuse or harassment will be documented, recorded and reported appropriately, which may result in refusal of travel.
Report it!
If you see anything suspicious or having any security concerns please report it immediately to a member of security staff.
Please ensure that you keep your luggage with you at all times.
CCTV at the port
Since 2004, Portsmouth International Port has operated a CCTV system. It became mandatory for the port to have such a system under the International Ship and Port Security Code 2004. Also contained within the port are other CCTV systems, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and body-worn video cameras. These are owned and operated by third parties, including the Statutory Authorities and the Police.
Portsmouth International Port also operate a temperature scanning camera within the terminal building. No personal data or recorded images will be retained by the port beyond 30 days, and records do not include your name or the use of facial recognition technology.
All systems are operated in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 , General Data Protection Regulation 2018, Human Rights Act 1998, Protections of Freedoms Act 2012 and Surveillance Camera Code of Practice 2015. If you have any concerns regarding the use of the Port’s CCTV systemm please contact the Duty Port Operations Manager on 02392 855904.