What is the purpose of the Vessel Security Plan (VSP)?

The purpose of the Vessel Security Plan (VSP) is to ensure the application of measures for both facility and vessel. This comprehensive approach is crucial because maritime security encompasses various components, including the vessel itself and any facilities it interacts with, such as ports and terminals. The VSP serves as a framework that outlines specific security procedures, assigns responsibilities, and establishes protocols for identifying and responding to security threats, thus ensuring a coordinated response across both settings. This dual focus on vessel and facility security helps mitigate risks and enhances overall maritime security.

In contrast, a focus solely on protecting the facility or just the vessel would neglect the interconnected nature of maritime operations, making those approaches less effective as they do not account for the entire security landscape. Additionally, while promoting effective communication among crew members is an important aspect of overall security culture, it does not encompass the full scope and objectives of the Vessel Security Plan.