What is a Special Interest Vessel (SIV)?

• A. A vessel that is required to be boarded prior to entry into US port; a COTP order used to hold vessel outside of the port.
• B. A vessel designated for special cargo only after arrival; not boarded.
• C. A vessel flagged as dangerous by international port authority but allowed to enter.
• D. A vessel used for training exercises only.

Answer: (A)

Special Interest Vessel status is about heightened port security that requires authorities to board and screen the vessel before it can enter a U.S. port. This pre-entry boarding allows verification of identity, crew, cargo, and compliance with security measures. The Captain of the Port can also issue an order to hold the vessel outside the port until this boarding is completed and any concerns are addressed. That combination—pre-entry boarding plus a potential hold outside the port—best matches the concept of a Special Interest Vessel.

Other options don’t fit because they describe post-arrival designations or conditions not tied to mandatory pre-entry boarding and external holds, or they describe training use or other criteria that aren’t the defining feature of SIV.