In early April, the U.S. Coast Guard released a policy letter that outlined the timeline and process for the five-year renewal of Vessel Security Plans (VSPs), Facility Security Plans (FSPs), and Alternative Security Programs (ASPs).
Captains of the Port (COTP), the Marine Safety Center (MSC) and all other Coast Guard personnel should use this policy letter when evaluating FSP, ASP, and VSP expiration dates and the local submittal process.
FSPs, ASPs and VSPs are valid for five years from the date of approval. However, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) does not state when facility or vessel operators should submit plans for renewal. A renewal should be submitted 60 days prior to expiration of the current approved plan. This ensures that the Coast Guard will have adequate time to review the renewal plan before the approved plan expires.
The Facility or Vessel Security Assessment (FSA or VSA) must be reviewed and validated, and the FSA or VSA report must be updated each time a plan is submitted for renewal or revision. Facility owners or operators must submit a renewal FSP to the COTP, ASPs must be submitted to the Coast Guard Office of Port and Facility Compliance, and vessel owners or operators must submit a renewal VSP to MSC.
If facility and vessel operators submit an FSP, ASP, or VSP to the Coast Guard at least 60 days prior to its expiration, the Coast Guard will guarantee that the facility or vessel will not experience an interruption in operations due to an expired plan.
Due to operational commitments, the Coast Guard cannot guarantee approval of FSPs, ASPs or VSPs submitted less than 60 days before the expiration date.
