USCG: ISPS/MTSA security compliance targeting criteria

In its PSC annual report for 2017, the USCG presented its MTSA Security Compliance Targeting Matrix. Introduced in 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) is the US implementation of the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and aims to address port and waterway security, requiring vessels and ports to develop security plans and patrols, establish restricted areas, access control measures, and others.

I. Ship Management

ISPS II –> Owner, if new owner since last ISPS exam

• 5 Points: Owner, operator, or charterer associated with one ISPS related denial of entry or ISPS related expulsion from port in the past 12 months, or 2 or more ISPS/MTSA control actions in a twelve month period

II. Flag State

ISPS II –> If new flag since last ISPS exam

• 7 Points: SOLAS Vessels* Flag State has a CAR 2 or more times the overall CAR average for all flag States
• 2 Points: SOLAS Vessels* Flag State has a CAR between the overall CAR average and up to 2 times overall CAR average for all flag States
• 7 Points: Non-SOLAS Vessels** Flag State has a CAR 2 or more times the overall CAR average for all flag States

*Pertains solely to Flag Administrations with more than one major control action in a 12 month period
**Pertains solely to Flag Administrations with more than one major control action in a 12 month period and includes vessels from non-SOLAS signatory countries and non-SOLAS vessels from signatory countries.

III. Recognized Security Organization

ISPS I –> 3 or more RSO related major control actions in the past twelve months

• 5 Points: 2 RSO related major control actions in the past twelve months
• 2 Points: 1 RSO related major control action in the past twelve months

IV. Security Compliance History

ISPS I–> Vessel with an ISPS related denial of entry/expulsion from port in past 12 months***

ISPS II–> If matrix score does not result in ISPS I priority & no ISPS compliance exam within the past 12 months

• 5 points: Vessel with an ISPS/MTSA related detention in the past twelve months
• 2 points: Vessel with 1 or more other ISPS/MTSA control actions in the past twelve months****

***COTP or OCMI may downgrade a vessel’s priority from ISPS I to ISPS II, or ISPS II to ISPS III depending upon circumstances surrounding a denial of entry. If denial of entry is solely from failure to provide a Notice of Arrival prior to entry into the US, assign 2 points.
****Includes vessel delays, restriction of operations, and restriction of movement related to vessel security deficiencies. Does not include routine examination of the ship or lesser administrative actions.