About
What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Port
The Mission of Protective Services
Protective Services is a dedicated team within Port Freeport focused on safeguarding the Port Freeport Community from a wide range of threats and hazards. Utilizing advanced, modern techniques, the team integrates multiple layers of protection to maintain a secure and safe maritime environment. Protective Services oversees various critical areas, including safe vessel operations, personnel and community safety, homeland security, facility security, environmental protection, and cybersecurity.
The mission of Protective Services is to safeguard the Port Freeport Community from all potential risks by proactively preventing, identifying, and eliminating threats. The team is committed to ensuring the continuous flow and protection of commerce while identifying and mitigating any dangers to the maritime community and surrounding area.
Protective Services
The primary focus of Protective Services at Port Freeport encompasses homeland security, intelligence, and emergency management. The team is responsible for safeguarding personnel and facilities within the Port's secure and restricted areas and at remote Port locations. Additionally, Protective Services delivers critical waterside protection for key assets, including docks, the harbor entrance, commercial waterways, and high-value vessels. The team is committed to continuously enhancing port-wide maritime security risk management to ensure the safety and security of the Port Freeport community.
Accessing the Port
Access to the Restricted and Secure Areas of Port Freeport is granted exclusively to individuals with a legitimate business need to enter the facility. Visitors may obtain a Port Freeport access badge at any time; however, individuals requiring access more than four (4) times within a 30-day period must obtain a Port Freeport access badge, which is available at the Port Freeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located at 801 Navigation Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541. Individuals without a Port Freeport access badge must check in at the Security Check-In facility, located across the street from the Main Gate (Gate 8).
All individuals requesting access to Port Freeport must complete Security Orientation.
All individuals requesting access to Port Freeport must present a valid government-issued photo identification and complete Security Orientation. As Port Freeport is considered an international border crossing area, non-U.S. citizens are required to provide document demonstrating that they have a lawful presence in the United States (i.e., passport, VISA, I-94, etc.).
With a legitimate business reason, unescorted access to Secure Areas is strictly limited to individuals possessing a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). A TWIC credential is required for unescorted entry into Secure Areas within the regulated portions of Port Freeport.
Individuals without a TWIC may only enter Secure Areas under escort by a certified Port Freeport TWIC Escort and must have a valid business purpose for being inside the Port. Visitors requiring an escort must wait outside the Secure and Restricted Areas until their escort arrives. If necessary, visitors may wait at the EOC, located at 801 Navigation Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541.
To perform escort duties, individuals must complete Port Freeport Escort Training and obtain a Port Freeport Escort Credential. Issuance of an escort credential is subject to current port procedures, including approval from the sponsoring company and Port Freeport, and the successful completion of the Port Freeport TWIC Escort Training Program. For inquiries regarding TWIC Escort Training, please contact the Port Freeport Badge Center, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Port Freeport reserves the right to deny or revoke access to its property at its sole discretion for any security or safety related reason.
Gate List Request
Except individuals holding a Port Freeport access badge, those transporting cargo to tenant facilities, and commercial shipping companies (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL), all individuals must be listed on the gate access list before entry. Tenants and agents may add individuals to the gate list by submitting a completed Gate List form to gatelist@portfreeport.com.
For groups larger than five, including crew changes, special events, and guided visits, a completed Gate List form must also be submitted to gatelist@portfreeport.com in advance.
Driving at Port Freeport
All commercial drivers operating within the Port must possess a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the United States, Mexico, or Canada. Drivers from other countries must hold a Non-Domicile Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a Non-Domicile Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
For personal vehicles, Texas law grants driving privilege reciprocity, allowing individuals to operate a motor vehicle using a valid, unexpired foreign driver’s license for up to one year or until they establish Texas residency, whichever occurs first. Upon becoming a Texas resident, individuals are required to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days to maintain legal driving privileges.
All individuals driving on Port Freeport property shall have insurance as described in the Port Freeport Tariff.
Parking at Port Freeport
Parking is at a premium within the Port, and, like driving in the Port, it is a privilege, not a right. Vehicles parking in unauthorized locations are subject to being towed. The driver/owner is responsible for any fees associated with the towing service. Port Freeport shall not be liable for any damage claimed by the owner/driver of any towed vehicle.
No vehicle and/or cargo shall be left unattended in the Check-in Lot across from Gate 8. If left unattended, the vehicle and/or cargo may be towed at the owner’s expense. The only exceptions are as follows:
- Going to the Dole Gate for paperwork
- Going to the EOC for a badge or to talk to Security/FSO.
Mechanical issues render the roadway unsafe to drive on. If this occurs, the driver shall notify Security at 979.373.5900 to gain permission prior to leaving. If the vehicle and/or cargo are in an unsafe location or impede traffic flow, Port Freeport may tow at the owner’s expense.
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Program
To operate the controls of an unmanned aerial system (UAS), you must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Airman Certificate with a small UAS rating, in accordance with 14 CFR 107.12.Eligibility requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Successfully passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
- If you already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (excluding a student pilot certificate), you must have completed a flight review within the past 24 months and successfully complete the FAA-provided small UAS online training course.
- In Texas, it is prohibited to operate an unmanned aircraft intentionally or knowingly at an altitude of less than 400 feet above ground level over a critical infrastructure facility. Before operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over Port Freeport property, FAA Part 107-certified pilots must submit an Unmanned Aircraft Authorization Request to Port Freeport Protective Services for approval.
Seafarers Exiting the Port
- Any seafarer without a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be escorted from the vessel by a certified Port Freeport TWIC escort.
- Seafarers are strictly prohibited from walking unescorted from the vessel to the gate.
- Foreign seafarers must obtain the necessary shore pass and documentation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before exiting Port Freeport.
- Seafarers from the United States must provide proof of U.S. citizenship prior to exiting Port Freeport.
Transportation from the moored vessel to the facility gate shall be provided at no cost to the following individuals:
- Seafarers assigned to a vessel at the facility
- Pilots
- Representatives of seafarers' welfare and labor organizations
If transportation services are unable to access the Port, please contact Security on 979.373.5900 for assistance. Additionally, if any organization or individual attempts to charge a fee for exiting Port Freeport, report the incident immediately to Security at 979.373.5900.
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Photography Inside the Port
Photos or video are not permitted in Secure/Restricted or commercial areas and roadways without approval from Port Freeport Security.
If approved, Port Freeport Protective Services reserves the right to examine photos and videos prior to leaving the Port to ensure no sensitive information was obtained.
Reporting Emergencies
To report an emergency, please do the following:
- Dial 911 for ambulance or fire departments; then
- Call Port Security at 979.233.3565 so security can facilitate emergency vehicle access into the Port
- Notify the tenant safety representative.
