Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)

Towing Vessels

Lesson Objectives

• EXAMINE Vessel Security Plan.

• EXAMINE Alternative Security Program.

• NAME the MARSEC levels.

• VERIFY vessel is exercising security measures.

• EXAMINE Declarations of Security.

References

33 CFR Part 101 (General) 33 CFR Part 104 (Vessels) ISPS Code (International) NVIC 04-03 (Changes 1 – 3) Homeport

Applicability33 CFR 104.105

• Barge subject to 46 CFR subchapter D• Barge subject to 46 CFR subchapter O• Barge that transports CDC (Certain Dangerous Cargo)• Barge subject to 46 CFR subchapter I engaged on an

international voyage • Towing vessel greater than eight meters in length

engaged in towing a barge(s) subject to 33 CFR 104

Applicability Exceptions46 CFR 104.105 (11)

• A towing vessel that:• Temporarily assists another vessel• Shifts a barge(s) at a facility or within a fleeting facility• Assists a tow through a lock• Provides emergency assistance

During the Exam

• Complete items on exam form• Check for required records• Talk to VSO/crew• Observe

Compliance Documentation33 CFR 104.120

• Should be able to produce:

• If Vessel Security Plan(VSP) has been approved:• Approved VSP/revisions/amendments• MSC approval letter

• IF VSP under review:• VSP submitted for approval • MSC letter indicating the plan is under review

Waivers33 CFR 104.130

• O/O can request a waiver if a security requirement is unnecessary

• Reviewed/granted by Commandant (CG-54)• If a waiver has been granted:

• Examine waiver letter and verify that any condition(s) are implemented

• Examine the waiver approval letter from CG-54 for any equivalencies

• Identify whether equivalencies are noted in the plan amendments

Alternative Security Programs (ASP)33 CFR 101.125

• Approved ASPs:• American Gaming Association• American Waterways Operators• Passenger Vessel Association

• Can be use if:• It is appropriate to that class of vessel• The vessel is not subject to SOLAS 74• It is implemented in it’s entirety

Company Security Officer (CSO)

• Must maintain a TWIC• Designated by the company to and responsible for:

• Keeping vessel appraised of potential threats• Developing, maintaining and enforcing company

security policies/procedures• Ensure personnel receive adequate security training• Ensure comms/cooperation between vessel/vessel

and vessel/facility interfaces• Ensure TWIC program implementation

• Can be a collateral duty

Vessel Security Officer (VSO)

• Must maintain a TWIC• Can be the Master or other crewmember• Person onboard the vessel responsible for:

• Security of the vessel• Implementation of the security plan• Working with the CSO to maintain adequate security

• Can be a collateral duty

Company / Vessel PersonnelWith Security Duties

• Must maintain a TWIC• Have a minimal level of knowledge from formal or on the

job training:• Current security threats• Requirements for different MARSEC levels, etc.

Other Vessel Personnel

• Must maintain a TWIC if they require unescorted access to secure areas on the vessel

• Have a minimal level of knowledge from formal or on the job training:• Requirements for different MARSEC levels, etc.• See 46 CFR 104.225

Sensitive Security Information (SSI)

• What is it:• Any information obtained or developed in carrying out

security requirements that would be detrimental to the security of transportation if that information was disclosed.

• Examples:• Vessel security plan • Maritime Security Directives issued by the USCG

Drills and Exercises33 CFR 104.230

• Test proficiency of crew and effectiveness of VSP• Drills (test individual elements):

• Every 3 months or • W/in one week if crew does not have prior

participation• Can be held w/ non-security drills

• Exercises (full test of security program):• Once a year and no more than 18 months between• Must test comms/notifications, coordination, resource

availability, response

MARSEC Security Levels33 CFR 101.200

• MARSEC Level 1:• Minimum risk / security measures

• MARSEC Level 2:• Heightened risk / security measures.

• MARSEC Level 3:• Incident is probable or imminent• Maximum security measures

MARSEC Directives33 CFR 101.405

• A response to a threat assessment or specific threat• Sets mandatory measures • Only issued by Commandant or designee• Sensitive Security Information• Affected O/O must be comply within specified time

Declaration of Security (DoS)33 CFR 104.255

• Needed for vessel/vessel or vessel/facility interfaces if carrying CDCs in bulk on manned vessels

• An agreement addressing security needs and procedures

• Valid for:• 90 days for MARSEC 1• 30 days for MARSEC 2• Single interface for

MARSEC 3

U.S. Coast Guard

Questions