TESTING
This sign refers to "MARSEC", which stands for Maritime Security. It’s part of a tiered system designed by the U.S. Coast Guard to assess and respond to security threats in ports and waterways. Think of it like the DEFCON levels used by the military or the color-coded terror alert system you might remember, but specifically for maritime environments.

"MARSEC 1" means that minimum appropriate protective security measures are in effect. This is the baseline level, indicating there's no specific credible threat identified at the moment. However, it still requires that anyone entering a vessel or facility subject to these regulations consents to security screening or inspection. If you refuse, they can deny you authorization to board or enter. The legal citations at the bottom, "33CFR104.265(f)(3)" and "33CFR105.255(f)(3)," refer to specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations that outline these security requirements for vessels and maritime facilities. In essence, this sign is a standard notice you’d see at any port, ferry terminal, or facility that handles maritime traffic in the United States, reminding everyone of their obligation to comply with security protocols.