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, , contains up-to-date information on implementation of the maritime security regulations found in Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the ISPS Code, and any MTSA-ISPS policy guidance. Users can also link to the Help Desk web site by clicking on the MTSA logo on the Coast Guard home page (www.uscg.mil ). The MTSA home page displays an interactive guide to the available information. If a user does not find his or her desired information on the MTSA web page, they may seek further assistance by contacting the Help Desk via e-mail (uscgregs@comdt.uscg.mil ) or by calling toll-free to (1-877-MTSA-AID / 1-877-687-2243). The Help desk operates from 0800-2000 EST Monday through Friday. The staff provides a timely response or advises the requestor that they will provide a written response at the completion of any necessary research. A database helps ensure response consistency by capturing previous questions and the answers given. The MTSA/ISPS Help Desk recommends that customers follow these research steps: 1. Check the internet site () for the desired information. The site has extensive information in a user-friendly format. 2. If the web site does not provide the information or the question is very detailed, send the question via email to uscgregs@comdt.uscg.mil . Our experts will respond with an answer. 3. Contact the friendly MSTSA-ISPS Help Desk staff at 1-877-687-2243. The MTSA-ISPS Help Desk was created to serve as a conduit between the public and the Coast Guard in matters involving MTSA-ISPS regulations, policies and enforcement. Public use of the Help Desk resources will help ensure interpretive consistency during all phases of MTSA-ISPS implementation