CFATS & MTSA/ISPS Support
The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)/International Ship and Port Facility Security Code are amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention on Maritime security. They play pivotal roles in safeguarding national security and protecting critical infrastructure. CFATS focuses on high-risk chemical facilities, identifying and regulating them to minimize potential terrorist threats. Meanwhile, MTSA/ISPS addresses maritime security, protecting ports, vessels, and facilities critical to global trade. CFATS and MTSA/ISPS classify covered organizations as critical infrastructure integral to domestic and international functioning. Safeguarding these facilities ensures operational continuity by preventing disruptions to the economy and bolstering public safety.
AcuTech remains at the forefront of industrial process safety and security, providing organizations with up-to-date insights on regulatory changes that may impact operations. AcuTech provides CFATS and MTSA/ISPS support, assisting companies in navigating the compliance process effectively.
AcuTech’s Expertise in CFATS Compliance
Our consultants have a thorough understanding of the CFATS cycle, from planning and initial screening to security vulnerability assessment and management of site security plans. They can therefore provide vital support. We help companies evaluate, develop, and maintain facility security plans and cybersecurity plans to ensure ongoing compliance with current and future regulations.
Supporting MTSA and ISPS Compliance for Ports and Waterways
The MTSA and ISPS require strict security measures for port and waterway safety. AcuTech, with its skilled team, performs comprehensive security risk assessments. We provide cost-benefit analyses of proposed countermeasures and help in creating site security plans. Furthermore, we can incorporate Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirements into existing security plans to ensure compliance without sacrificing operational efficiency.
For port facilities that must comply with ISPS requirements, AcuTech offers specialized services to ensure compliance.
Take the first step toward a more secure future – contact AcuTech today to inquire about our specialized consulting services tailored to your unique needs in CFATS, MTSA and ISPS support and compliance.
- Facility Security Assessments (FSA)
- Facility Security Planning (FSP)
- CFATS Training
- Port Facility Security Officer, Facility Security Officer, and Alternate Facility Security Officer Training
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards developed by industry bodies and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS):
- Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS). CFATS uses RBPS to establish security standards for high-risk chemical facilities. These standards cover areas such as access control, perimeter security, cybersecurity, personnel security, and more. They are designed to address the unique risks posed by different chemical facilities.
- Site Security Plan (SSP). Facilities identified as high-risk under CFATS must develop a Site Security Plan. The plan outlines how the facility will implement RBPS and mitigate security risks. It is a comprehensive document that includes security measures, response procedures, and other relevant information.
- Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI). CFATS includes provisions for protecting sensitive information related to facility vulnerabilities. This information, known as CVI, is shared between the government and the facility to enhance security without compromising sensitive details.
- Compliance Inspections. CFATS mandates inspections to ensure facilities are complying with the RBPS and implementing the measures outlined in their SSP. Inspections help verify that security measures are effective and that facilities are maintaining a high level of security.
Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA):
- Facility Security Plans (FSP). Under MTSA, maritime facilities and vessels must develop Facility Security Plans outlining security measures to be implemented. These plans include provisions for access control, surveillance, security training, and response procedures.
- Security Risk Assessment (SRA). Facilities and vessels subject to MTSA must conduct Security Risk Assessments to identify and assess security vulnerabilities. The assessment informs the development of the Facility Security Plan.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). MTSA incorporates the use of TWIC, a biometric identification card, to control access to secure areas within maritime facilities. This enhances personnel security and ensures that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive areas.
- Training and Drills. MTSA requires regular training for personnel involved in security-related duties and the conduct of security drills to test the effectiveness of the Facility Security Plan. This ensures that personnel are well-prepared to respond to security incidents.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
- Prescribes responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port/facility personnel to “detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.
- Determines the respective roles and responsibilities of all parties concerned with safeguarding maritime security in ports
- Provides a methodology for ship and port security assessments, which facilitates the development of ship, company, and port facility security plans and procedures, which must be utilized to respond to ships’ or ports’ varying security levels;
- Ensures that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures are in place on board ships and in ports.
Our consultants have contributed to the following standards, codes, and programs:
- AcuTech served as Prime Subject Matter Contractor experts to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the development of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) regulation, the suite of Chemical Security Assessment Tools (CSAT), and the Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS)
- AcuTech has had MARAD approval to provide Facility Security Officer training for over a decade.