CG-FAC
Office of Port & Facility Compliance

Alternative Security Programs (ASP)

Alternative Security Programs (ASP) give groups of similar vessels and/or facilities an alternative way to comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). Vessels and/or facilities which operate under an ASP are relieved of the facility / vessel security plan submission requirement. Prior to implementing an ASP, members must demonstrate they are a "member in good standing" of the sponsoring organization and must complete a vulnerability assessment.

ASPs are submitted to Commandant for approval (see 33 CFR 101.120(c)). Once approved, members of the sponsoring organization may implement the ASP. All approval letters are posted on the non-secure side of Homeport http://homeport.uscg.mil

Once a facility becomes a member of the sponsoring organization and FULLY implements the ASP there are several documents that must be submitted to the cognizant Captain of the Port (COTP):

1) a letter stating which ASP they are using;
2) a list of facilities that will implement the ASP (assuming there is more than one facility location), (33CFR101.120(b)(3)); and,

3) a completed Facility Security Assessment (FSA) report (33CFR105.405(a)(17) and a completed CG-6025 (33CFR105.405(a)(18)).

The ASP itself is not submitted to the COTP because it has already been approved by Commandant.

Vessels that operate under an ASP must send a letter to the Marine Safety Center (MSC). Commanding Officer (MSC)
US Coast Guard
4200 Wilson Blvd, Ste 400
Stop 7410
Arlington, VA 20598-7410
securityplaninfo@uscg.mil

Although vessels do not have to submit an FSA report, they must complete one and keep it onboard to be made available to the CG upon request.

The following is a list of approved ASPs:

American Chemistry Council (ACC) facilities
American Gaming Association (AGA) facilities & vessels
American Waterways Operators (AWO) vessels
Electric Sector ASP (ESASP) facilities
Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association (GNOBFA) facilities
Lake Carriers Association (LCA) vessels
North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) facilities
Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) vessels
Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) facilities & vessels
Washington State Ferries (WSF) facilities & vessels

 

New ASPs can be submitted for approval to:
COMMANDANT (CG-FAC-2)
2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave STOP 7501
Washington, DC 20592-7501
(202) 372-1122