33 CFR §104.285
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)General.
- (1)The vessel owner or operator must ensure the implementation of security measures and have the capability to continuously monitor, through a combination of lighting, watchkeepers, security guards, deck watches, waterborne patrols, automatic intrusion-detection devices, or surveillance equipment, as specified in their approved Vessel Security Plan (VSP), the—
- (2)The following must be considered when establishing the appropriate level and location of lighting:
- (i)Vessel personnel should be able to detect activities on and around the vessel, on both the shore side and the waterside;
- (ii)Coverage should facilitate personnel identification at access points;
- (iii)Coverage may be provided through coordination with the port or facility; and
- (iv)Lighting effects, such as glare, and its impact on safety, navigation, and other security activities.
- (b)Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level 1. At MARSEC Level 1, the vessel owner or operator must ensure the implementation of security measures, which may be done in coordination with a facility, to:
- (1)Monitor the vessel, particularly vessel access points and restricted areas;
- (2)Be able to conduct emergency searches of the vessel;
- (3)Ensure that equipment or system failures or malfunctions are identified and corrected;
- (4)Ensure that any automatic intrusion detection device sets off an audible or visual alarm, or both, at a location that is continuously attended or monitored;
- (5)Light deck and vessel access points during the period between sunset and sunrise and periods of limited visibility sufficiently to allow visual identification of persons seeking access to the vessel; and
- (6)Use maximum available lighting while underway, during the period between sunset and sunrise, consistent with safety and international regulations.
- (c)MARSEC Level 2. In addition to the security measures required for MARSEC Level 1 in this section, at MARSEC Level 2, the vessel owner or operator must also ensure the implementation of additional security measures, as specified for MARSEC Level 2 in the approved VSP. These additional security measures may include:
- (1)Increasing the frequency and detail of security patrols;
- (2)Increasing the coverage and intensity of lighting, alone or in coordination with the facility;
- (3)Using or increasing the use of security and surveillance equipment;
- (4)Assigning additional personnel as security lookouts;
- (5)Coordinating with boat patrols, when provided; and
- (6)Coordinating with shoreside foot or vehicle patrols, when provided.
- (d)MARSEC Level 3. In addition to the security measures for MARSEC Level 1 and MARSEC Level 2, at MARSEC Level 3, the vessel owner or operator must ensure the implementation of additional security measures, as specified for MARSEC Level 3 in the approved VSP. These additional security measures may include:
- (1)Cooperating with responders and facilities;
- (2)Switching on all lights;
- (3)Illuminating the vicinity of the vessel;
- (4)Switching on all surveillance equipment capable of recording activities on, or in the vicinity of, the vessel;
- (5)Maximizing the length of time such surveillance equipment can continue to record;
- (6)Preparing for underwater inspection of the hull; and
- (7)Initiating measures, including the slow revolution of the vessel's propellers, if practicable, to deter underwater access to the hull of the vessel.