As a leading and trusted provider of physical and electronic security solutions, understanding the specific security needs of each of our clients is a crucial part of NextGen’s mission. While we serve the needs of customers across many industry sectors, we are proud to specialize in solutions for regulated entities and facilities in key vertical markets nationwide.
Maritime clients such as ports and waterfront facilities face distinct challenges. The passage of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) came complete with a host of regulations that maritime facilities must adhere to.
Specifically, MTSA requires vessels and port facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans that may include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment.
The Act creates a consistent security program for all the nation’s ports to better identify and deter threats.
Although MTSA came into law after the 9/11 terror attack, it was actually drafted beforehand. The initial intent was to prevent crime, because of the threats that cargo theft and smuggling pose to business operations and national commerce. After 9/11, the Act was expanded to also include the threat of terrorism, and was assigned to the management of the U.S. Coast Guard within the Department of Homeland Security.
The MTSA security regulations were developed using risk-based methodology and focus on those sectors of the maritime industry at a higher risk of a transportation security incident. These span various tank vessels, large passenger vessels, cargo vessels, towing vessels and barges. Offshore oil and gas platforms, as well as port facilities that service these vessels or handle certain types of dangerous cargo are also affected.
Those charged with managing our nation’s maritime facilities have a huge enough responsibility just running their operations each day. That’s why so many have turned to NextGen to help them meet the strict security regulations imposed by the MTSA. We’ve secured over 100 MTSA-regulated sites. Our hands-on experience with advanced perimeter security technologies is especially valuable to the maritime sector as regulations require them to be able to distinguish between the continuous movement of water and movements made by potential perpetrators. We stay on the cutting edge of technologies and are expert in providing the fiber-based technology, thermal imaging/infrared (IR) and video analytics software solutions these facilities critically need.
The NextGen team has had comprehensive training on handling MTSA, Sensitive Security Information (SSI). We’re deeply experienced in working with Port Security Grant Program Recipient’s stringent requirements and are equipped to help our maritime clients leverage these funds to support their compliance requirements.
You can count on us to meet all your security and regulatory compliance needs.