The Coast Guard has a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC)
levels consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland
Security Advisory System (HSAS). MARSEC Levels are designed to provide
a means to easily communicate pre-planned scalable responses to increased
threat levels. The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard sets MARSEC levels
commensurate with the HSAS. Because of the unique nature of the maritime
industry, the HSAS threat conditions and MARSEC levels will align closely,
though they will not directly correlate.
MARSEC levels are set to reflect the prevailing threat environment
to the marine elements of the national transportation system, including
ports, vessels, facilities, and critical assets and infrastructure located
on or adjacent to waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
MARSEC Level 1 means the level for which minimum
appropriate security measures shall be maintained at all times. MARSEC
1 generally applies when HSAS Threat Condition Green, Blue, or Yellow
are set.
MARSEC Level 2 means the level for which appropriate
additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period
of time as a result of heightened risk of a transportation security
incident. MARSEC 2 generally corresponds to HSAS Threat Condition Orange.
MARSEC Level 3 means the level for which further
specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited
period of time when a transportation security incident is probable,
imminent, or has occurred, although it may not be possible to identfy
the specific target. MARSEC 3 generally corresponds to HSAS Threat Condition
Red.
MARSEC Information
MARSEC Request Form
