---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 104.300"
title: "33"
number: "104.300"
heading: "General."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/104.300"
---

# §104.300. General.

- (a) The Vessel Security Assessment (VSA) is a written document that is based on the collection of background information and the completion and analysis of an on-scene survey.
- (b) A single VSA may be performed and applied to more than one vessel to the extent that they share physical characteristics and operations.
- (c) Third parties may be used in any aspect of the VSA if they have the appropriate skills and if the Company Security Officer (CSO) reviews and accepts their work.
- (d) **Those involved in a VSA should be able to draw upon expert assistance in the following areas—**
  - (1) Knowledge of current security threats and patterns;
  - (2) Recognition and detection of dangerous substances and devices;
  - (3) Recognition of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security;
  - (4) Techniques used to circumvent security measures;
  - (5) Methods used to cause a security incident;
  - (6) Effects of dangerous substances and devices on vessel structures and equipment;
  - (7) Vessel security requirements;
  - (8) Vessel-to-vessel activity and vessel-to-facility interface business practices;
  - (9) Contingency planning, emergency preparedness and response;
  - (10) Physical security requirements;
  - (11) Radio and telecommunications systems, including computer systems and networks;
  - (12) Marine engineering; and
  - (13) **Vessel and port operations.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2003-14749, 68 FR 39302, July 1, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 60515, Oct. 22, 2003]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70051, 70116, Chapter 701; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-11, 6.14, 6.16, and 6.19; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

### Source

Source: USCG-2003-14749, 68 FR 39302, July 1, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[USCG-2003-14749, 68 FR 39302, July 1, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 60515, Oct. 22, 2003]