SSP Transportation Security Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under MTSA, a 'Maritime Security Level 3' designation indicates what threat condition?
- No specific threat identified, minimum security measures in effect
- A heightened risk, requiring additional targeted security measures
- An imminent or probable threat requiring the most stringent security measures (Correct answer)
- A post-incident recovery phase with restored normal operations
Correct answer: An imminent or probable threat requiring the most stringent security measures
MARSEC Level 3 indicates an imminent or probable threat requiring the most stringent security measures, including possible facility closure.
Question 2: What does the acronym 'AIT' refer to in the context of airport passenger screening?
- Automated Inspection Terminal
- Advanced Imaging Technology (body scanners) (Correct answer)
- Aviation Intelligence Taskforce
- Airside Identification Tag
Correct answer: Advanced Imaging Technology (body scanners)
AIT refers to Advanced Imaging Technology, the body scanner units used at TSA checkpoints to detect non-metallic threats.
Question 3: A pipeline operator detects unauthorized access to a remote compressor station. What is the first step required under TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines?
- Immediately repair any physical damage before reporting
- Assess the situation, report to TSA, and implement the facility's emergency response procedures (Correct answer)
- Wait 48 hours to determine if damage occurred before escalating
- Notify local media to warn the public
Correct answer: Assess the situation, report to TSA, and implement the facility's emergency response procedures
TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines require operators to assess the incident, notify TSA, and activate emergency response procedures for unauthorized access events.
Question 4: In supply chain security, what is the purpose of a 'chain of custody' document?
- To transfer legal ownership of cargo between buyers and sellers
- To record every entity that handled or controlled a shipment from origin to destination (Correct answer)
- To authorize customs clearance at the port of entry
- To certify that cargo meets quality control standards
Correct answer: To record every entity that handled or controlled a shipment from origin to destination
A chain of custody document records every party who handled the shipment, enabling security teams to identify where tampering or unauthorized access may have occurred.
Question 5: Which regulation requires mass transit agencies to conduct security assessments and develop emergency response plans?
- 49 CFR Part 659
- DHS Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101
- TSA Security Directives SD-1580-21-01 and related surface directives (Correct answer)
- OSHA Emergency Action Plan standard
Correct answer: TSA Security Directives SD-1580-21-01 and related surface directives
TSA's surface transportation Security Directives under 49 CFR Part 1580 require designated passenger railroad and transit operators to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans.
Question 6: What is the key security principle behind 'defense in depth' as applied to transportation security?
- Concentrating all security resources at a single high-risk chokepoint
- Applying multiple overlapping layers of security measures so that no single failure compromises overall security (Correct answer)
- Deploying the maximum number of officers at entry points only
- Using technology as the sole security measure to reduce human error
Correct answer: Applying multiple overlapping layers of security measures so that no single failure compromises overall security
Defense in depth uses multiple overlapping security layers so that a failure in one layer is compensated by remaining layers, reducing overall vulnerability.
Question 7: The 'trusted traveler' concept underlying programs like TSA PreCheck is based on which security philosophy?
- Eliminating security screening for all frequent flyers
- Risk-based security that allocates resources to higher-risk travelers while expediting low-risk pre-vetted individuals (Correct answer)
- Random selection of passengers for enhanced screening
- Profiling travelers based solely on nationality
Correct answer: Risk-based security that allocates resources to higher-risk travelers while expediting low-risk pre-vetted individuals
Risk-based security focuses screening resources on unknown or higher-risk travelers while expediting pre-vetted, low-risk individuals through dedicated lanes.
SSP Transportation Security Standards 5
Under MTSA, a 'Maritime Security Level 3' designation indicates what threat condition?