Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)

To provide guidance on emerging issues regarding MTSA and TWIC, the Coast Guard issues periodic Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs). Although not legally binding, NVICs provide important information not only to help facilities comply with the regulations but also to help the Coast Guard ensure consistent enforcement across all Captain of the Port zones. The following are some of the more frequently used NVICs released by the Coast Guard to offer guidance for MTSA compliance:

• NVIC 03-03 (Change 2) – Implementation Guidance for the Regulations Mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) for Facilities
• NVIC 03-07 – Guidance for the Implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program in the Maritime Sector
• NVIC 04-03 (Change 3) – Guidance for Verification of Vessel Security Plans on Domestic Vessels in Accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) Regulations and International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
• NVIC 05-03 – Implementation Guidance for the Maritime Security Regulations Mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 for Outer Continental Shelf Facilities
• NVIC 06-03 (Change 1) – Coast Guard Port State Control Targeting and Boarding Policy for Vessel Security and Safety
• NVIC 06-04 – Voluntary Screening Guidance for Owners or Operators Regulated Under Parts 104, 105, and 106 of Subchapter H of Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations
• NVIC 09-02 – Guidelines for Development of Area Maritime Security Committees and Area Maritime Security Plans Required for U.S. Ports
• NVIC 10-04 – Guidelines for Handling of Sensitive Security Information (SSI)