In the small passenger vessel industry, security often operates differently than on larger ships such as ocean liners. While large ships rely heavily on multi-million-dollar screening technologies and dedicated security teams, small vessel operators depend first and foremost on the vigilance and proactive mindset of their crew: situational awareness.
Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and predict the future state of your environment to make informed decisions.
Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and predict the future state of your environment to make informed decisions. It involves observing your surroundings, comprehending the meaning of those observations, and anticipating what might happen next to effectively respond to potential risks or hazards. This skill is applicable to various fields, from daily life and personal safety to just about every type of work environment. For small vessel operators, developing this skill starts with training that is laid out in the Alternative Security Program (ASP).
This critical skill involves continuously observing the surrounding environment, understanding normal operations, and quickly identifying anomalies that could signal a security threat. Unlike massive cruise terminals with layered security perimeters, smaller operations often utilize more accessible public docking areas. The boarding process can be less formal, and the crew typically doubles their roles, serving as deckhands and safety personnel simultaneously.
In this environment, a crew member’s ability to recognize a potential issue before it escalates is the most effective line of defense.
A typical day in our industry illustrates this principle. Before passengers arrive, a basic security sweep of the vessel ensures no unauthorized items were left overnight. As boarding begins, the crew observes passengers. They are not just collecting tickets; they are looking for unusual behavior: passengers avoiding eye contact, individuals carrying oversized or heavy baggage inconsistent with the trip’s duration, or anyone who seems overly interested in operational areas like the wheelhouse or engine room.
Once underway, vigilance continues. A crew member should be aware of the “normal” state of the vessel: the usual sounds of the engine or the typical location and behavior of passengers should be at the forefront of them performing their established rounds. Any deviation—a new, strange vibration, a passenger attempting to open a secured hatch, or an unexpected vessel approaching too closely—immediately raises a security alert.
Practical example: This is a real-life example that happened at the Gateway Clipper Fleet
A couple years back, aboard a one-hour sightseeing cruise, a fellow passenger noticed some unusual behavior. While most people were snapping pictures of the city skyline, a couple on the outside deck seemed fixated on a different subject: the bridges overhead.
The pair waited patiently until the vessel passed under the Smithfield Street Bridge, the first bridge on our tour, then jumped up and started taking pictures. Once they passed, they’d sit back down, only to repeat the ritual at the next bridge, the Fort Pitt, and every subsequent bridge along the route.
The observer, feeling concerned, alerted the crew. The crew, in turn, reported the odd pattern to the captain. This wasn’t the usual tourist behavior, and the captain, erring on the side of caution and guided by the principles of situational awareness, decided it raised enough of a red flag to contact the company security officer.
The security officer wasted no time involving the proper authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the local FBI field office. The situation escalated quickly, moving from a passenger observation to a multi-agency investigation.
Thanks to the vessel’s onboard security cameras and the passenger manifest, authorities were able to quickly identify the individuals. They contacted the couple, and the mystery was soon solved with a rather mundane explanation: the two were structural engineers attending a conference at the nearby convention center. They weren’t plotting anything nefarious; they were simply enthusiasts capturing close-up photos of the unique design features of Pittsburgh’s historic bridges. They were promptly cleared of any wrongdoing.
This anecdote serves as a prime example of the “see something, say something” principle in action, highlighting the crucial role of everyday citizens in maintaining collective security. Situational awareness isn’t just for security personnel; it starts with observant passengers looking out for each other.
In the small passenger vessel industry, technology is a useful aid, but the human element remains the primary security sensor. Cultivating strong situational awareness among all crew members is the most cost-effective and crucial security measure an operator can implement.
By fostering a culture where observation is paramount and crew feel empowered to report anomalies, small vessel operators transform their staff into a cohesive, proactive defense system. Security is not just about physical barriers; it is fundamentally about paying attention to the world around you and having the readiness to act.
I wish all our members a New Year filled with smooth seas and favorable winds. Happy holidays, and a very prosperous 2026!
Sincerely,
Stephen Jones
PVA President, 2025
Stephen Jones is the President of the Passenger Vessel Association.