Maritime Transportation and Security Act of 2002

The Maritime Transportation and Security Act (MTSA) was signed into law on November 25, 2002. These regulations, found in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 33 CFR Subchapter H—Maritime Security, establishes a framework for maritime security in the United States.

Download MTSA here.

Key Elements of MSTA

• Requirements for port, facility, and vessel vulnerability assessments
• Development of security plans for certain facilities and commercial vessels
• The issuance and use of Transportation Security Cards for personnel whose responsibilities require them to access secure spaces aboard vessels
• Establishment of an enhanced system of foreign seafarer identification
• Creation of Maritime Security Advisory Committees at national and area levels
• Installation and operation of Automatic Identification Systems aboard certain vessels
• Establishment of a program to better secure international intermodal transportation systems, to include cargo screening, tracking, physical security, compliance monitoring, and related issues.
• Provision of civil penalties for violation of statutes or regulations
• Development of standards and curricula for maritime security professional training

International Ship and Facility Security (ISPS) Code

The International Ship and Facility Security (ISPS) Code—which came into effect on July 1, 2004—seeks to establish an international framework of cooperation between governments, government agencies, and the shipping and port industries in order to detect and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting vessels or facilities used in international trade.

Download the ISPS Code here.

The ISPS Code Applies To:

• Passenger vessels on international voyages.
• Cargo ships of 500 or more gross tons on an international voyages.
• Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU).
• All facilities serving vessels engaged on international voyages.