Friday, December 11, 2009

SSI fallout from TSA security breach

The House Committee of Homeland Security is requiring information from TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. In a letter dated Dec. 08, 2009, the Committee asked for answers to questions that contained the following:
--What is TSA's standard operating procedure when screening TSA documents and issuing SSI classification? Please describe steps taken by each component at the Department involved in making such a determination.
--What is your practice when issuing a classification for a document that may contain information within multiple classification levels and what may be considered SSI?

The Committee is examining not only the specific security breach but also the SSI designation process. It seems reasonable to expect an increase in oversight of this information classification.

HR 2868 substitute

Posted on the House Homeland Security Committee website, in the document Key Points on the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to HR2868, Chemical Security Legislation," dated October 29, 2009: "Title I helps close these vulnerabilities by directing the U. S. Coast Guard, which current (sic) regulates port facilities under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 to oversee the administration of CFATS for port facilities." This is a welcome solution for the unwieldy scenario of TSA CFATS inspectors in USCG MTSA facilities. I trust the legislation will also give more money and personnel to the U. S. Coast Guard to compensate for the additional responsibilities.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Piracy PSA and TWIC PAC

Two items of interest –
Concerning piracy: Port Security Advisory (11-09) Supplementary Guidance on Anti-Piracy Defensive Measures, was issued on 12/01/09, to provide “additional clarification to specific Directive requirements based upon lessons learned to date. These clarifications and other changes will be incorporated into the next revision of MARSEC Directive 104-6.” The PSA addresses Heavy Wheel Movements, Communication in the Event of an Attack, AIS, Energizing Fire Pumps and Fire Hoses, Engine Room Manning, and Other Equivalent Measures.

More on TWIC: On Oct. 13, 2009, PAC 03-09 ch. 3 was extended until further notice. This PAC addresses the problem of persons experiencing a longer than 7-day turn around when trying to replace lost and stolen TWIC’s. An additional 30 calendar days of unescorted access can be granted “provided that all requirements under 33 CFR 104.265(c)(2)(i),(ii), and (iii), 105.255(c)(2)(i),(ii), and (iii), or 106.260(c)(2)(i)(ii), and (iii) are met and the following:

1) The individual provides proof that a replacement TWIC has been ordered ( a payment receipt (for $60.00) is acceptable as proof); and

2) Provide the VSO, FSO, or other designated employee with security duties, the individual’s first name and last name and application I.D. (if known). This information can then be used by the facility to confirm that the individual has previously held a valid TWIC and has ordered a replacement by using the card status check feature on TSA’s website located at: http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov/twicinfo. “