Marine Transportation Security Regulations

256 At all MARSEC levels, security procedures shall be established in the vessel security plan, as appropriate to the vessel’s operations, for the vessel security officer and persons who have security responsibilities with respect to the vessel to

• (a) respond to security threats, security breaches and security incidents and maintain critical vessel and vessel-to-facility interface operations, including by

  • (i) prohibiting entry into the affected area,

  • (ii) denying access to the vessel, except to persons responding to the threat, breach or incident,

  • (iii) implementing MARSEC level 3 security procedures throughout the vessel,

  • (iv) stopping cargo-handling operations, and

  • (v) notifying shoreside authorities or other vessels of the threat, breach or incident;

• (b) evacuate the vessel in case of security threats, security breaches or security incidents, if the life of persons on board is threatened;

• (c) report any security threats or security incidents involving the vessel to the Minister without undue delay;

• (d) brief vessel personnel on potential security threats and the need for vigilance and their assistance in reporting suspicious persons, objects or activities; and

• (e) suspend non-critical operations in order to focus response on critical operations.