In which order does the regulatory hierarchy progress from broader to more specific?

The correct order of the regulatory hierarchy from broader to more specific is indeed SOLAS → ISPS → MTSA → CFRs.

SOLAS, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, is a comprehensive international maritime treaty that covers a wide range of maritime safety issues, thus functioning at a broad level. It sets the base requirements for safety at sea for vessels and is applicable globally.

The ISPS Code, developed in response to the 9/11 attacks, specifically addresses security measures for ships and port facilities based on the framework established by SOLAS. This makes it more specific than SOLAS, as it focuses directly on maritime security measures rather than general safety.

The MTSA, or the Maritime Transportation Security Act, is a U.S. law that implements the requirements of the ISPS code and further details security measures applicable to U.S. ports and vessels. This legislation provides more specific regulations applicable within the context of national security and maritime operations.

Finally, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) consists of the specific regulatory elements established by the federal government, which may include safety and security measures for vessels and port operations. As a legal database, it provides the most detailed, situation-specific regulations.

This hierarchical structure reflects