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33 C.F.R. § 104.215   Vessel Security Officer (VSO).

Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters

Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 104—MARITIME SECURITY: VESSELS
Subpart B—Vessel Security Requirements

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§ 104.215   Vessel Security Officer (VSO).

(a) General. (1) A VSO may perform other duties within the owner's or operator's organization, provided he or she is able to perform the duties and responsibilities required of the VSO for each such vessel.

(2) For manned vessels, the VSO must be the Master or a member of the crew.

(3) For unmanned vessels, the VSO must be an employee of the company, and the same person may serve as the VSO for more than one unmanned vessel. If a person serves as the VSO for more than one unmanned vessel, the name of each unmanned vessel for which he or she is the VSO must be listed in the Vessel Security Plan (VSP).

(4) The VSO of any unmanned barge and the VSO of any towing vessel interfacing with the barge must coordinate and ensure the implementation of security measures applicable to both vessels during the period of their interface.

(5) The VSO may assign security duties to other vessel personnel; however, the VSO remains responsible for these duties.

(b) Qualifications. The VSO must have general knowledge, through training or equivalent job experience, in the following:

(1) Those items listed in §104.210 (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this part;

(2) Vessel layout;

(3) The VSP and related procedures, including scenario-based response training;

(4) Crowd management and control techniques;

(5) Operations of security equipment and systems; and

(6) Testing and calibration of security equipment and systems, and their maintenance while at sea.

(c) Responsibilities. In addition to those responsibilities and duties specified elsewhere in this part, the VSO must, for each vessel for which he or she has been designated:

(1) Regularly inspect the vessel to ensure that security measures are maintained;

(2) Ensure maintenance and supervision of the implementation of the VSP, and any amendments to the VSP;

(3) Ensure the coordination and handling of cargo and vessel stores and bunkers in compliance with this part;

(4) Propose modifications to the VSP to the Company Security Officer (CSO);

(5) Ensure that any problems identified during audits or inspections are reported to the CSO, and promptly implement any corrective actions;

(6) Ensure security awareness and vigilance on board the vessel;

(7) Ensure adequate security training for vessel personnel;

(8) Ensure the reporting and recording of all security incidents;

(9) Ensure the coordinated implementation of the VSP with the CSO and the relevant Facility Security Officer, when applicable;

(10) Ensure security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained; and

(11) Ensure consistency between security requirements and the proper treatment of vessel personnel affected by those requirements.

[USCG–2003–14749, 68 FR 39302, July 1, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 60513, Oct. 22, 2003]

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