Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)

Generally, only a “covered person” with a “need to know” may access SSI.

Covered Persons

“Covered persons” include:

• Each owner, charterer, or operator of an MTSA-regulated vessel or facility;
• Each person participating in a National or Area Maritime Security Committee;
• Each maritime industry trade association that has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Coast Guard and that represents covered persons;
• Each person employed by, contracted to, or acting for a covered person; and
• Each person for which a vulnerability assessment has been directed, created, held, funded, or approved by DHS.

Need to Know

An individual, including a state or local official, has a “need to know” in any of the following five circumstances:

• When the person requires access to specific SSI to carry out transportation security activities approved, accepted, funded, recommended, or directed by DHS or DOT;
• When the person is in training to carry out transportation security activities approved, accepted, funded, recommended, or directed by DHS or DOT;
• When the information is necessary for the person to supervise or otherwise manage individuals carrying out transportation security activities approved, accepted, funded, recommended, or directed by DHS or DOT;
• When the person needs the information to provide technical or legal advice to a covered person regarding transportation security requirements of federal law; and
• When the person needs the information to represent a covered person in connection with any judicial or administrative proceeding regarding those requirements.