To: Customs Brokers, Airlines, Carriers, Partner Government Agencies, and Other Stakeholders Concerned 

Subject: CBP Vessel Security Plan Operations Security Guard Training and Licensure Compliance 

To help ensure the reliability and success of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Area Port of Philadelphia mandated vessel security plan operations, a review and audit was conducted to include security guard training and licensure compliance. It is CBP’s expectation that all security companies and officers (unarmed and armed) supporting CBP mandated vessel security plan operations are complying with appropriate security guard training and licensure in the state where operations are occurring (e.g. Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania). 

As part of the CBP vessel security plan approval process, commencement in the fall of 2024, CBP Area Port of Philadelphia will begin requesting security guard companies conducting CBP vessel security plan operations to provide appropriate state licenses / certifications for security officers supporting CBP vessel security plan operations. 

The purpose of this Public Bulletin is to provide notice to the trade community that CBP Area Port of Philadelphia is inviting public comments for a period of 30 days. 

Comments can be mailed to the attention of Area Port of Philadelphia, Watch Commander, Gary McHenry 200 Chestnut Street, Room # 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Comments will be accepted via email at gary.d.mchenry@cbp.dhs.gov or can be dropped-off at the U.S. Customs House during regular business hours.