SSP Transportation Security Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under TSA regulations, which document governs security requirements for surface transportation operators such as freight rail and mass transit?
- Transportation Security Plans (TSP)
- Security Directives issued under 49 CFR Part 1580 (Correct answer)
- FEMA National Response Framework
- DHS Critical Infrastructure Protection Plans
Correct answer: Security Directives issued under 49 CFR Part 1580
49 CFR Part 1580 governs rail transportation security and empowers TSA to issue Security Directives to surface transportation operators.
Question 2: Which international framework establishes security standards for maritime shipping containers?
- ISPS Code
- IMO SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (Correct answer)
- CTPAT program
- CSI (Container Security Initiative)
Correct answer: IMO SOLAS Chapter XI-2
SOLAS Chapter XI-2 contains the Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security and mandates implementation of the ISPS Code.
Question 3: A security vulnerability assessment for a pipeline facility should prioritize which element FIRST?
- Cost of countermeasures
- Asset characterization and threat identification (Correct answer)
- Public relations impact
- Employee background check records
Correct answer: Asset characterization and threat identification
Asset characterization and threat identification are the foundational first steps in any vulnerability assessment before countermeasures can be evaluated.
Question 4: The FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program is designed to facilitate which type of transportation activity?
- Domestic air cargo screening
- Expedited border crossing for pre-approved commercial shipments (Correct answer)
- Rail freight customs inspection
- Passenger screening at seaports
Correct answer: Expedited border crossing for pre-approved commercial shipments
FAST expedites the movement of pre-approved, low-risk commercial shipments across the US-Canada and US-Mexico borders.
Question 5: Which standard provides guidance on security management systems for organizations in the supply chain?
- ISO 28000 (Correct answer)
- ISO 9001
- NIST SP 800-53
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
Correct answer: ISO 28000
ISO 28000 specifies requirements for a security management system for the supply chain, including transportation.
Question 6: Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), who is the primary federal authority responsible for civil aviation security?
- FAA
- TSA (Correct answer)
- DHS Office of Intelligence
- FBI
Correct answer: TSA
ATSA, enacted in 2001, created TSA and designated it as the primary federal authority for civil aviation security.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'sterile area' in airport security terminology?
- A sanitized room for medical emergencies
- The area beyond the security screening checkpoint accessible only to screened passengers (Correct answer)
- A quarantine zone for biohazardous cargo
- The ramp area used exclusively by ground crews
Correct answer: The area beyond the security screening checkpoint accessible only to screened passengers
A sterile area is the secure zone in an airport accessible only to passengers who have passed through security screening and authorized personnel.
SSP Transportation Security Standards 2
Under TSA regulations, which document governs security requirements for surface transportation operators such as freight rail and mass transit?