I work for the port
You have access to restricted areas and sensitive information. And that’s exactly what criminals are after.
Clear boundaries keep you safe
Stay alert and set firm boundaries. You’re not just protecting yourself, you’re protecting your colleagues and the work you’re proud of. Recognise situations that don’t add up and report them. Together, we keep the port safe.
How we help: signals, reporting and support
What to look out for?
Because you’re right in the middle of it all, you’re often the first to notice when something’s off. Watch for these signs:
Unusual interest in information or restricted areas
People asking a lot of questions about procedures, access zones, or internal operations without a clear reason.
Requests outside normal workflow
Someone asking you to “just sort something”, skip steps, or make changes outside the usual process.
Pressure to work faster
Situations where someone is pushing you to speed up checks, approve documents more quickly, or skip safety steps.
Strange behaviour from people or vehicles
Vehicles or people lingering in unusual spots or acting out of the ordinary.
Unexplained changes in systems
Suddenly changed passwords, shifted schedules, missing files, or documents that appear to have been altered without reason.
Unexpected gifts or favours
Small gestures, overly personal attention, or favours that don’t fit within a professional relationship.
Looking over your shoulder
People who stay unusually close when you’re working with sensitive information, or who try to see what’s on your screen.
Unusual emails or calls
Messages that are strangely urgent, come from unknown senders, or don’t match normal internal communications.
People in restricted areas
Colleagues or strangers in spaces they shouldn’t normally have access to.
Unusual presence outside working hours
People showing up when things should be quiet, in the evening, at night, or during closing times.
Access requests that don’t match someone’s role
When someone requests access to systems, files, or areas outside their responsibilities, that’s a red flag. It often happens under the guise of “just checking something” or “for a client”.
Irregular requests around scheduling or administration
A container that suddenly needs to be rerouted, a code that needs changing, a document that needs to be “quickly” amended… Small changes that don’t make logical sense can be a sign of outside influence.
Pressure to skip steps
If someone is pushing you to rush through checks, verifications, or double-checks, that could be a sign they’re trying to hide something.
Digital anomalies
Unexpected logins, changed settings, disappearing files, or documents opened at unusual times can indicate unauthorised access or tampering.
Unusual social behaviour
Suddenly becoming overly friendly, attentive, or curious can be a tactic to build trust, especially when someone starts asking about your workload, home situation, or finances.
Gifts or gestures that feel unprofessional
Presents, lunches, or “thank-you” notes that don’t fit within a normal working relationship may be intended to create a sense of obligation.
People trying to look or listen in
Someone who lingers unusually close when you’re handling sensitive information, or who tries to see what’s on your screen, may be deliberately gathering data.
Unusual or urgent communications
Unexpected emails, calls, or messages from a colleague, or from an unknown number, can be attempts to apply pressure or mislead you.
New clients or partners with unclear backgrounds
Companies that are hard to verify, have vague contacts, or provide incomplete information can pose a risk, especially when they seem to be in an unusual hurry.
Illogical changes to scheduling or file management
Adjustments that don’t fit the workflow, are made without explanation, or contradict previous agreements can point to outside influence or internal manipulation.
Clients or intermediaries who lack basic knowledge
When someone doesn’t know what goods they’re importing or exporting, gives vague answers, or keeps changing their story, that can be a sign something is being concealed.
Employees who are visibly under pressure
Sudden loss of concentration, uncharacteristic mistakes, or colleagues who say they’re struggling can indicate increased vulnerability.
Unusual absences or inconsistent performance
When someone calls in sick more often, performs inconsistently, or seems less engaged, it can be a sign there’s more going on than just work pressure.
Signs of financial stress
Colleagues who mention financial difficulties, or who suddenly ask a lot of questions about pay or advances, may be more susceptible to outside influence.
Changes in behaviour or attitude
Someone who becomes withdrawn, pulls back from the team, or suddenly becomes noticeably present without explanation may need support.
External contacts getting too close
People who reach out directly to employees in ways that don’t fit normal business relationships may be trying to build a relationship of trust.
People behaving out of character at the terminal
Individuals hanging around without a task, paying unusual attention to operations, or moving through areas where they have no business. They’re often trying to observe how the workflow operates.
Vehicles taking unusual routes
Cars or trucks driving slowly, stopping in unusual spots, or passing through the same area repeatedly. Sometimes they’re waiting for a specific moment or container.
Containers not where they should be
A container that’s open, appears damaged, has been moved without authorisation, or is in a location that doesn’t match the plan. This can point to tampering or preparation.
Unauthorised people trying to blend in
Someone who joins a team, walks along with a group, or tries to get in by “going with them”. This often happens subtly, during busy periods.
Unusual interest in cargo or work processes
People asking about container numbers, loading order, shift changes, or security. They may pose as a driver, visitor, or subcontractor.
Attempts to access vehicles or machinery
Someone trying to climb into a reach stacker, straddle carrier, crane, or terminal truck, or asking to “just move something”. Often with an excuse that doesn’t hold up.
Open gates or damaged fencing
Entrances that should be locked, open gates, or fencing that has been made easier to climb over. This can point to a recent or planned intrusion.
People photographing or filming operations
Strangers or visitors taking images of cargo, vehicles, security, or work processes. This sometimes happens quickly and inconspicuously.
Colleagues in the port outside their shift
A presence at unusual times, without a clear task or reason. This can indicate outside pressure or unauthorised arrangements.
Offers to “earning a bit extra” on the side
Someone informally asking whether you can move a container, open a seal, or pass something along. It often starts small and casual.
Drivers behaving strangely
Drivers who seem nervous, ask too many questions, or try to get closer to cargo than necessary. Sometimes they’re waiting for a specific container.
Unexplained changes to loading or unloading instructions
Changes that don’t come through dispatch, instructions that don’t match the plan, or directions passed on “verbally” without written confirmation.
People trying to see what’s on your scanner or handheld
Someone trying to see which container numbers you’re scanning, what tasks you’re receiving, or what’s on your screen. Often under the guise of “just being curious”.
Unusual communication from external parties
Phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or instructions from unknown numbers asking you to “help with something” or “just check something”.
Colleagues who seem to be under pressure
A sudden change in behaviour, signs of stress, withdrawal, or noticeable nervousness during operations. This can sometimes signal that someone is being approached or threatened.
How to respond?
When something doesn’t feel right, or someone approaches you with a request that feels off, it’s important to stay calm and professional. You don’t have to handle it alone, there are always steps you can take.
Calmly but clearly explain that you cannot share information outside of your role, and that you’re required to follow procedures. That’s completely normal and part of working professionally.
Two sets of eyes are better than one. If someone notices something strange but isn’t sure, listen to them and help them make a report.
Write down what caught your attention: the time, location, people, vehicles, container numbers… Small details can help build a bigger picture later. Only do this if it’s safe to do so.
Report what you’ve seen through your internal procedures or via PortWatch. You don’t need proof, a suspicion is enough.
No arguments, no confrontations. Your safety always comes first.
Badges, access cards, handhelds, and login details are personal. Keep them secure and report immediately if anything goes missing.
Lock your computer screen, close vehicles, check gates, and report any defects or unsecured access points.
Your experience is a strength. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s often a valuable signal. Report what you’ve seen and the right teams will take it from there.
Don’t pass on schedules, container numbers, access codes, passwords, shifts, or internal procedures, not even “just quickly”.
Gifts, lunches, “thank-you”-notes, or small gestures can be used to create a sense of obligation. Decline politely but firmly.
You’re not a detective. Don’t go looking for people, vehicles, or containers yourself. It’s not safe.
Doubt is not a mistake. Reporting is professional behaviour, and it protects you and your colleagues.
Calmly but clearly explain that you cannot share information outside of your role, and that you’re required to follow procedures. That’s completely normal and part of working professionally.
Write down what caught your attention: the time, location, people, vehicles, container numbers… Small details can help build a bigger picture later. Only do this if it’s safe to do so.
No arguments, no confrontations. Your safety always comes first.
Lock your computer screen, close vehicles, check gates, and report any defects or unsecured access points.
Don’t pass on schedules, container numbers, access codes, passwords, shifts, or internal procedures, not even “just quickly”.
You’re not a detective. Don’t go looking for people, vehicles, or containers yourself. It’s not safe.
Two sets of eyes are better than one. If someone notices something strange but isn’t sure, listen to them and help them make a report.
Report what you’ve seen through your internal procedures or via PortWatch. You don’t need proof, a suspicion is enough.
Badges, access cards, handhelds, and login details are personal. Keep them secure and report immediately if anything goes missing.
Your experience is a strength. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s often a valuable signal. Report what you’ve seen and the right teams will take it from there.
Gifts, lunches, “thank-you”-notes, or small gestures can be used to create a sense of obligation. Decline politely but firmly.
Doubt is not a mistake. Reporting is professional behaviour, and it protects you and your colleagues.
Specifically for managers, supervisors, and trusted contacts
Colleagues need to know they can come to you without fear of judgement.
Sudden loss of focus, inconsistent performance, financial worries, withdrawal, or unusual nervousness can all be signs of outside pressure.
A casual chat can prevent a lot. Ask how someone is doing, without pushing.
HR, trusted contacts, or external support services can help employees build resilience.
Safety starts with people looking out for each other, and that’s one of our ports’ greatest strengths.
Colleagues need to know they can come to you without fear of judgement.
A casual chat can prevent a lot. Ask how someone is doing, without pushing.
Safety starts with people looking out for each other, and that’s one of our ports’ greatest strengths.
Sudden loss of focus, inconsistent performance, financial worries, withdrawal, or unusual nervousness can all be signs of outside pressure.
HR, trusted contacts, or external support services can help employees build resilience.
Think you can spot criminal activity? Put it to the test!
Coming soon, PortAware will be launching short, practice-based quizzes to help you recognise suspicious situations faster and respond safely. Whether you’re on the quay, involved with planning, in the cabine, or in the office.
Each module features realistic port scenarios, practical tips, and clear examples you can apply to your job straight away. Work through them at your own pace, wherever and whenever suits you.
Together, we make our ports stronger and more resilient.
