33 CFR § 104.290 - Security incident procedures.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s104.290"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 104.290 - Security incident procedures."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "104.290"
section_name: "Security incident procedures."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "H"
subchapter_name: "MARITIME SECURITY"
part_number: "104"
part_name: "MARITIME SECURITY: VESSELS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
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."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2003-14749, 68 FR 39302, July 1, 2003, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "104"
---


# 104.290 Security incident procedures.

For each Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level, the vessel owner or operator must ensure the Vessel Security Officer (VSO) and vessel security personnel are able to:

(a) Respond to security threats or breaches of security and maintain critical vessel and vessel-to-facility interface operations, to include:

(1) Prohibiting entry into affected area;

(2) Denying access to the vessel, except to those responding to the emergency;

(3) Implementing MARSEC Level 3 security measures throughout the vessel;

(4) Stopping cargo-handling operations; and

(5) Notifying shoreside authorities or other vessels of the emergency;

(b) Evacuating the vessel in case of security threats or breaches of security;

(c) Reporting security incidents as required in § 101.305;

(d) Briefing all vessel personnel on possible threats and the need for vigilance, soliciting their assistance in reporting suspicious persons, objects, or activities; and

(e) Securing non-critical operations in order to focus response on critical operations.