The marine environment is a complex, high-risk setting that demands specialised planning, regulation compliance, and operational resilience. Whether you manage a commercial port, coastal infrastructure, maritime logistics hub, or support services in offshore sectors, security and safety must be tightly controlled to prevent disruption and minimise liability.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we offer marine consulting services designed to assess, guide, and support stakeholders involved in coastal, maritime, and port operations. Our focus is on delivering practical, standards-aligned advice to improve your physical security, infrastructure resilience, and regulatory compliance.
This article explains what marine consulting involves, the services we provide, and how it can benefit your organisation — whether you’re overseeing daily port operations, managing offshore assets, or planning a new development in a marine zone.
What Is Marine Consulting?
Marine consulting refers to the provision of expert advice and assessments tailored to operations in maritime and coastal environments. These environments are subject to a unique set of security, regulatory, logistical, and environmental challenges.
Marine consultants support clients by identifying risks, navigating regulatory frameworks, and recommending appropriate physical, procedural, and technological controls. Unlike general consultancy, marine consulting requires specific understanding of:
- Port and terminal security
- Offshore infrastructure access and operations
- Coastal environmental considerations
- Maritime safety protocols
- Australian marine legislation and standards
- The interface between public access zones and critical infrastructure
At Smartsec Security Solutions, our marine consulting services focus on physical security risk, asset protection, crime prevention, and regulatory readiness — always tailored to the site’s function and context.
Our Marine Consulting Services
We support a range of marine, port, and coastal stakeholders across Western Australia with security-centric consulting services designed to reduce exposure, improve compliance, and protect operations. Our services include:
Marine Security Risk Assessments
We conduct structured risk assessments aligned with ISO 31000:2018, tailored to maritime infrastructure such as:
- Commercial ports and harbours
- Freight and logistics terminals
- Ferry terminals and jetties
- Offshore operations support bases
- Marine fuel and storage facilities
- Waterfront critical infrastructure
Our assessments include site inspections, stakeholder interviews, system reviews, and vulnerability mapping — with clear risk ratings and practical recommendations to mitigate threats.
We evaluate:
- Perimeter access and water-based entry points
- CCTV and marine-grade surveillance systems
- After-hours access and lighting
- Movement of vehicles, goods, and vessels
- Access control for contractors, staff, and tenants
- Environmental or geographic factors increasing exposure
- Emergency preparedness and response protocols
CPTED and Public Waterfront Safety Reviews
Ports and marine developments often include mixed-use areas that blend public access with sensitive operations — increasing the need for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
We provide CPTED assessments that improve:
- Public safety in wharf and promenade areas
- Passive surveillance and natural visibility
- Control of access into restricted marine zones
- Perception of ownership and boundary definition
- Lighting design and after-dark usability
This is especially valuable for councils managing waterfront development or multi-use marine precincts.
Control Room and Monitoring Centre Reviews
Where marine sites have dedicated or shared control rooms, we conduct audits aligned with AS 2201.2 to evaluate:
- System monitoring coverage (CCTV, alarms, access)
- Response procedures and protocols
- Operator readiness and redundancy
- Integration between marine operations and land-based monitoring
Our review identifies where compliance gaps exist and how to optimise monitoring for vessel movement, dockside safety, and emergency response.
HVM and Vessel Access Risk Management
Hostile vehicle mitigation is often overlooked in marine precincts, where public roads interface with terminals and docks. We provide:
- Bollard and barrier planning aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023
- Risk assessments for road-to-jetty or wharf interfaces
- Temporary event security planning in public marine zones
- Pedestrian safety and access control balancing
We also consider vessel-based threat scenarios, including:
- Unauthorised docking or mooring
- Small boat surveillance gaps
- Movement of restricted goods or materials
This work supports both public safety and compliance with maritime access protocols.
Compliance and Security Planning Support
We support clients to align their operations with national and state-level marine-related standards and frameworks, including:
- The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts guidance
- Port authority policies and stakeholder engagement obligations
- Local planning guidelines for coastal security infrastructure
We can also assist with:
- Developing or reviewing Security Risk Management Plans
- Supporting planning approvals or impact assessments
- Advising on procurement strategy for marine security upgrades
Who We Support
Our marine consulting services are relevant to:
- Port authorities and terminal operators
- Local governments managing jetties, marinas, and coastal precincts
- Engineering and construction firms working on waterfront projects
- Offshore support contractors and vessel service providers
- Facility managers overseeing marine logistics sites
- Event coordinators using waterfront public space
- Commercial landowners with coastal boundaries or marine interface
Whether you manage day-to-day operations or are planning future upgrades, we can provide independent insight to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Marine Security Matters
Maritime and coastal zones are high-traffic, high-exposure environments. They are vulnerable to:
- Theft or unauthorised removal of cargo or fuel
- Sabotage or interference with infrastructure
- Safety breaches due to poor lighting or blind spots
- Vehicle-based threats entering unsecured wharf areas
- Operational downtime caused by unclear access protocols
- Legal or reputational fallout from poor incident response
A well-structured marine security strategy ensures your operations remain compliant, resilient, and capable of managing risk without overcomplicating access or daily function.
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
Smartsec Security Solutions is an independent, Perth-based security consulting firm. We have over 17 years of experience working with infrastructure, public-facing facilities, councils, and critical operations.
What sets us apart:
- Independent advice: We don’t sell or install systems — our focus is on what works for your risk and environment.
- Marine-specific knowledge: We understand how land-based security principles adapt to marine operations.
- Australian Standards compliance: We align all audits and recommendations with AS 2201.2, AS/NZS 1158, ISO 31000, ISO 22343-1, and applicable maritime legislation.
- Clear, practical reports: Our outputs are easy to understand and directly actionable — whether for internal planning, funding, or regulatory support.
- Discretion and professionalism: We work with stakeholders from government and industry to deliver quality, confidential assessments that support long-term outcomes.
Get in Touch
If you’re responsible for marine infrastructure, port operations, or waterfront developments in Perth or regional WA, and you need an experienced, independent voice to help you navigate your security challenges — we’re here to help.
Smartsec Security Solutions offers clear, expert advice tailored to the realities of marine environments. From risk assessments to planning support, we’ll help you secure your operations and meet your compliance goals with confidence.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and learn more about how our marine consulting services can support your objectives.
