USCG Offers MTSA-ISPS Helpdesk

After the tragic events of 9/11, the United States faced the challenging task of creating new rules and policies to protect the homeland. In addition to many other actions, Congress and the Department of Homeland Security responded by passing and implementing the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. The MTSA is a significant piece of legislation and its regulations affect nearly every member of the maritime community, including minimally regulated or previously unregulated entities. The new regulatory scheme has generated many questions and some confusion regarding MTSA and International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) implementation and enforcement. Recognizing the need for clarity and uniformity, the Coast Guard established the MTSA-ISPS Help Desk for inquiries from both the public and governmental entities. The Help Desk's mission includes minimizing confusion and ensuring interpretive consistency during the various phases of MTSA and ISPS implementation and enforcement. The MTSA-ISPS Help Desk provides information via three primary methods: web directory, e-mail and telephone. The Help Desk's "one-stop-shop" public internet site,