NVIC 9-02: Guidelines for Port Security Committees and Port Security Plans
 
What is it?
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued its ninth Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular of 2002 on 30 September 2002. NVIC 9-02 provides guidance to USCG field commanders on how to develop Port Security Committees (PSC) and Port Security Plans (PSP).
How does it work?
The USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) is responsible for forming PSCs. If practical, the PSCs are to coordinate with the existing Harbor Safety Committees and any Port Readiness Committees serving the same port. The PSC is to consider the Marine Transportation System (MTS) infrastructure as defined in Presidential Directive 63 when defining port boundaries.
 
What is its purpose?
The PSC is to provide a framework to communicate, identify risks, and coordinate resources to mitigate port threats and consequences. Several state and federal agencies, as well as representatives from industry will participate in the PSCs. These include:
  • USCG, FBI, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), U.S. Customs, INS TSA (Transportation Security Administration) EPA, U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Dept. of Defense, OSHA, Federal Railway and Highway Administrations, Army Corps of Engineers
  • Local, County and State Law Enforcement Agencies, National Guard, Port Authorities, Marine Police, Terminal Security Forces, Fish and Wildlife units, Fire Departments, State Environmental Resources units, City and County government officials, and Civil Defense units
  • Vessel Owner/Operator security representatives
  • Facility and Terminal owner/operators
  • Trade and Labor Organizations
  • Recreational Boating and Commercial Fishing organizations
  • Pilot Associations and Marine Exchanges
  • Railroad and Trucking companies
  • Shipyards
  • Towboat operators
The PSP fits into a “family of plans” concept that will include facility security plans and security plans for vessels using US ports.
What action is to be undertaken by each COTP?
Each COTP around the country is directed to accomplish the following by February 28, 2003:
  • Conduct a preliminary port level security assessment
  • Identify develop and “game” scenarios focused on port-specific aspects of the MTS
  • Develop strategies to increase awareness, decrease vulnerability, increase response readiness, and mitigate consequences in each security level
  • Identify shore-based and maritime security resources and their functional capability
  • Begin development of initial port security plans, or annexes of existing plans focused on each MARSEC Level
  • Identify gaps in USCG resources for each MARSEC level and include them in regional strategies
  • Submit reports
Much of the work that the PSCs will undertake will involve sensitive security information. The COTPs will be responsible for developing procedures to protect both security sensitive information, and in particular information that may be sensitive to participating private companies. Therefore, there will be some restrictions on the distribution of information developed by the PSCs.