CCSP Chain of Custody & Documentation Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the CCSP, what is the significance of the phrase 'positive chain of custody' when applied to air cargo?
- The cargo tested positive for explosives
- An unbroken documented trail of accountability from screening through loading (Correct answer)
- The shipper has a positive TSA security rating
- Cargo passed all customs positive identification checks
Correct answer: An unbroken documented trail of accountability from screening through loading
Positive chain of custody means there is a continuous, documented, and unbroken record of who controlled the cargo from the point of screening to aircraft loading.
Question 2: Which screening method documentation must include the equipment calibration status at the time of screening?
- Physical search documentation
- Explosives trace detection (ETD) records (Correct answer)
- Canine team screening records
- X-ray image review logs
Correct answer: Explosives trace detection (ETD) records
ETD equipment calibration must be verified and documented before use, as calibration status directly affects the validity of trace detection results.
Question 3: A cargo shipment is broken down and re-consolidated at a CCSF. How does this affect existing screening documentation?
- Original documentation remains valid if cargo was not opened
- New screening documentation must be generated for the re-consolidated shipment (Correct answer)
- Only the manifest needs to be updated
- The air carrier issues replacement documentation
Correct answer: New screening documentation must be generated for the re-consolidated shipment
Re-consolidation constitutes a new cargo configuration, requiring new screening and updated chain of custody documentation to reflect the changed shipment.
Question 4: What must a screener do if a screening system malfunctions mid-screening of a shipment?
- Complete screening using visual inspection only and note the malfunction
- Halt the screening, document the malfunction, and re-screen using an approved alternate method (Correct answer)
- Apply a CCSF seal and pass the cargo with a discrepancy note
- Quarantine the cargo until the system is repaired
Correct answer: Halt the screening, document the malfunction, and re-screen using an approved alternate method
Equipment malfunctions must be documented and screening must be completed using an approved alternate method to maintain a valid chain of custody record.
Question 5: In the CCSP documentation hierarchy, which document takes precedence when there is a conflict between the airway bill and the CCSF screening record?
- The airway bill, as it is the legal shipping contract
- The CCSF screening record, as it reflects physical security status
- TSA must resolve all conflicts before the cargo moves (Correct answer)
- The most recently dated document takes precedence
Correct answer: TSA must resolve all conflicts before the cargo moves
TSA regulations require that conflicts in cargo security documentation be resolved with TSA oversight before the cargo is cleared to move.
Question 6: A canine team clears a pallet of cargo. Which element is unique to canine screening documentation compared to equipment-based screening records?
- Cargo weight at time of screening
- Handler certification number and canine team identifier (Correct answer)
- Number of packages in the shipment
- Destination airport code
Correct answer: Handler certification number and canine team identifier
Canine screening records must uniquely identify both the certified handler and the specific canine team, as the team's certification status validates the screening.
Question 7: When must a CCSF notify TSA about a chain of custody breach?
- Only if the breach involves international cargo
- Within 4 hours of discovering the breach (Correct answer)
- At the end of the business day in which the breach occurred
- Only if unauthorized access is confirmed by video evidence
Correct answer: Within 4 hours of discovering the breach
TSA requires CCSFs to report known or suspected chain of custody breaches within 4 hours of discovery, regardless of cargo origin or destination.
CCSP Chain of Custody & Documentation Standards 3
Under the CCSP, what is the significance of the phrase 'positive chain of custody' when applied to air cargo?