Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are included in the MTSA vessel security assessment according to which statement?

A vessel security assessment under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) is designed to identify and assess threats and vulnerabilities to vessels and their operations. While the incorporation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities has become increasingly significant in relation to overall maritime security, current regulations and guidelines often focus on physical security measures and threats, primarily addressing areas such as access control, cargo handling, and monitoring of personnel.

As of the latest guidelines and regulations, cybersecurity was not explicitly mandated to be covered in the vessel security assessments as part of the MTSA requirements. Therefore, stating that cybersecurity vulnerabilities are included in these assessments is not accurate. Instead, cybersecurity considerations are evolving and may be addressed through supplementary guidelines or best practices issued by maritime safety organizations, but they do not form part of the explicit mandates under the MTSA for vessel security assessments.

Options such as specifying new vessels or foreign vessels do not align with the broader application of the MTSA, which applies universally to all domestic vessels rather than imposing limitations based on age or nationality. Thus, the correct understanding reflects that cybersecurity vulnerabilities are not included explicitly in these assessments, making the assertion of the statement as false.