The Coast Guard has announced in the Federal Register the availability of Revision 8 to Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6, which provides guidelines for U.S. vessels operating in high-risk waters (HRW) where acts of terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery against ships are prevalent. The directive contains security-sensitive information and, therefore, cannot be made available to the general public. U.S. vessel owners and operators who have needed to take action under previous versions of MARSEC Directive 104-6 should immediately contact their local Coast Guard Captain of the Port or District Commander for a copy of Revision  8. This revision contains important updates to HRW locations and organizational responsibilities regarding addressing security risks in those waters.  

DATES: MARSEC Directive 104-6 (Revision 8) has been available since August 11, 2021. MARSEC Directive 104-6 (Revision 7) is no longer valid after that date.

Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6 Revision 8 replaces Revision 7, previously signed on March 4, 2014. The new directive provides direction to U.S. flagged vessels operating in High Risk Waters (HRW) where acts of terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery against ships are prevalent. This revision reflects a change in organizational responsibilities and updates the list of regions identified as HRW.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.