The U.S. Coast Guard on Dec. 16 reminded members of the maritime community that security plans for vessels and facilities affected by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 are due to the Coast Guard by Dec. 31, and warned that it may impose civil penalties for not complying with the requirement.The Coast Guard estimates that 10,000 U.S.-flag vessels, 5,000 facilities and 50 outer continental shelf facilities are required to submit security plans by Dec. 31, as detailed in rules published on July 1.
The Coast Guard on Jan. 1 will begin enforcing the security plan submission requirement. Failure to submit a plan is a violation of the MTSA rules and may result in a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation against the owner or operator of the vessel or facility. After July 1, non-compliant operators may have their operation shut down until an approved security plan is in place.
Foreign-flag vessels subject to the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea should submit their security plans to their flag states or flag administrations as specified in the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Security plans for these vessels are not to be submitted to the Coast Guard. After July 1, 2004, the Coast Guard will begin boarding these vessels to ensure that the security plan has been properly implemented.
The Coast Guard has established a help desk to assist the industry with understanding the regulations. The help desk can be reached from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday at 1-877-687-2243 or 202-366-9991, or by e-mail at uscgregs@comdt.uscg.mil.
The full text of the rules and other information can be found on the Coast Guard’s port security website at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/index.shtml
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