On successful entry into the Harbour Police, new officers undergo a local induction into the daily operations of a large modern port. During this induction period the new officers spend time visiting external agencies with whom they will actively engage following completion of their residential training.

The next stage of police training is a ten week residential course at Dover, one of two centres that carry out port police training in the UK.

The Harbour Police officers undergo further training in first aid; attend a response driving course with a local county force; and also qualify as a Port Facilities Security Officer (PFSO), a new duty created under the International Ships and Ports Facility Security Code (ISPS). They will also be expected to keep up with legislation and terrorist threat levels by attending other courses provided to meet these requirements.

As well as all aspects of general police duties, the Harbour Police constable will be involved in many other harbour and shipping related tasks, including the berthing of vessels and checking various safety and other regulations necessary for the operation of the port. The Harbour Police will be expected to visit every ship that visits the port to issue general directions and byelaws and to check any dangerous cargo, explosives or firearms carried, and to be fully conversant with the requirements of The Merchant Shipping Act, The Harbours Docks and Piers Clauses Act, The Immigration Act and, increasingly, European Legislation. They also have a very busy and important role to play enforcing the requirements of the ISPS Code.