ABSTRACT
The port facility security officer (FSO) is the point person for planning and managing the security function. Federal law and regulations specify that port facility owners and operators subject to Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requirements must develop and submit a port facility security plan (FSP) for the US Coast Guard (USCG) review and approval. On-Scene Survey is an examination and evaluation of existing facility protective measures, procedures, and operations to verify or collect required background information. An MTSA-regulated port facility is required to conduct an annual audit of its port FSP. One of the port FSO’s most important responsibilities will be to instill an awareness of port security in all facility employees and visitors. The port FSP is the document that ensures the application of security measures designed to protect the port facility and its servicing vessels or those vessels interfacing with the facility, their cargoes, and persons on board at the respective Maritime Security Levels (MARSEC).
