In response to guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), NAEGA and NGFA are in the process of updating the NAEGA-NGFA Alternate Security Program (ASP) to incorporate new rules for seafarer access.  The seafarer’s access rule requires owners or operators of a maritime facility regulated by Maritime Transportation Safety Act (MTSA) to implement a system providing seafarers, pilots and representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labor organizations with access between vessels moored at the facility and the facility gate in a timely manner and at no cost to the seafarer or other individuals. The rule was approved on April 1, 2019 and the seafarers access system must be documented in a facility’s Facility Security Plan (FSP) by February 1, 2020 and implementation must begin by June 1, 2020.  The updated NAEGA-NGFA ASP will also include new rules on cybersecurity.

The ASP is an alternative way to comply with MTSA regulations that allows participating organizations to develop alternative security plans approved by USCG. All NAEGA members and their facilities are invited to participate in the NAEGA-NGFA ASP. If you are interested in joining the ASP, please contact Patrick.