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Maritime Security Act News

21 Feb 2024

ARC Keeps the Cargo Rolling

Flags on M/V ARC Defender.
Image courtesy ARC

With a fleet of nine U.S.-flag RoRo ships, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group (ARC), is the U.S.’ premier commercial RoRo carrier of U.S. government and military cargo. As the world becomes an increasingly contentious place, Eric P. Ebeling, President & CEO, ARC, discusses the vast capabilities of the ARC fleet and logistics network, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead for U.S.-flag ships in the international trade.By the numbers’ is a simplistic means to gauge the size and shape of any shipping company…

22 Feb 2023

Belgium on High Alert as Russian 'Spy Ship' Detected in North Sea

©Sebastian/AdobeStock

Belgium said it is investigating the presence of a Russian "spy ship" in the North Sea, a day after its neighbor the Netherlands reported that Russia was targeting North Sea infrastructure.The ship was detected in the Belgian North Sea around mid-November last year, Vincent Van Quickenborne, the Justice and North Sea minister, said in a statement headlined "Russian spy ship off our coast in November".While the presence of Russian ships in the North Sea is not forbidden, Belgium said it was monitoring the situation closely…

12 Aug 2013

U.S. Maritime Strategy: a Time for New Beginnings

The imperative for a holistic United States maritime strategy has never been greater. This is not news to many of you, but the call must be raised more persistently, more vocally and by many more of us, in order to drive action beyond rhetoric. The National Strategy for the Marine Transportation System was published in July 2008 by the previous administration. We are now in the second iteration of leadership changes at the Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration since the strategy was issued. The White House, the Congress, and the maritime industry should collectively and collaboratively address the evermore pressing…

14 Jun 2013

Why TWIC?

 Dennis L. Bryant,  Maritime Regulatroy  Consulting, Gainsville, Fla. t: 352-692-5493 e: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

GAO finds it is broken, and now the question is; can it be fixed? Recently, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a scathing report on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) electronic reader pilot test and on the TWIC program in general. The GAO said that the test of the electronic readers that are intended to largely automate access of credentialed maritime workers into secure areas not only failed, but that test results were so badly gathered that it is impossible to determine exactly where the problems lie and what needs to be corrected.

28 Feb 2013

USCG Guidance on Maritime Security Program Released

Guidance Regarding Inspection and Certification of Vessels Under the Maritime Security Program; A Notice by the Coast Guard on 02/28/2013. Dates: NVIC 01-13 is effective as of February 28, 2013. Action: Notice of availability. The Coast Guard announces the availability of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-13, “Inspection and Certification of Vessels Under the Maritime Security Program (MSP).” The MSP serves as a means for establishing a fleet of commercially viable and militarily useful vessels to meet national defense as well as other security requirements. NVIC 01-13 sets forth the Coast Guard's policies and procedures regarding the inspection and certification of vessels under the MSP.

19 May 2008

Controlling Maritime Security Cost

It is expected that the USCG will begin stepping up compliance measures and holding companies more accountable to the codes and regulations of the Maritime Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). The anticipated actions by the USCG, combined with the current cost of normal security procedures, will make it increasingly more difficult for companies to balance compliance with manageable security budgets. In addition, companies that lack the knowledge and experience to maintain full compliance run the risk of compounding the cost burden with regulatory financial penalties. Complicating matters even further, affected U.S. companies must now also comply with the Safety and Security of Every Port Act (Safe Port) and the Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

28 Sep 2001

West Coast Waterfront Coalition Asks for Balanced Security

In a letter sent to every member of the United States Senate, the West Coast Waterfront Coalition expressed its general support for the Port and Maritime Security Act (S. 1214), but called on the Senate to make two critical changes to the bill before passing it. The group called on the Senate “to remember the importance that our West Coast Ports play in the national economy,” and “to be sensitive to the needs of U.S. businesses all across the country for the rapid movement of inputs to production, parts, and finished products.” In the letter, signed by West Coast Waterfront Coalition Executive Director Robin Lanier, the group called on the Senate to include new provisions in the bill that would require identification cards and background checks for port workers.

14 Jan 2004

Feature: Passenger Vessels : What's in Store in 2004?

The passenger vessel market is a classic mature marine market. Segments of it are doing well, while other parts have literally died. For example, the overnight segment of the market saw one substantial vessel delivered in 2003 with none on the horizon for 2004. The Empress of the North, a 360-ft. sternwheeler was put into service in September working the West Coast-Alaska route. Now that ice is a problem in Alaska, the vessel is working the Columbia River system in the Northwest U.S. The vessel was the largest vessel ever built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, Wash. and is owned by American West Steamboat Company, Portland, Ore. Developing overnight service is the most difficult part of the passenger vessel industry to get established.

20 Feb 2004

Tank Vessel Construction Assistance Program Launched

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is soliciting competitive proposals for construction in the United States of new product tank vessels necessary to meet commercial and national defense needs of the United States and to be built with assistance under Subtitle D of the Maritime Security Act of 2003. Any U.S. citizen or U.S. shipyard may submit a proposal. Under the National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program, the new product tank vessels must be not less than 35,000 and not greater than 60,000 deadweight tons. The tank vessels must meet the requirements of foreign commerce; be capable of carrying militarily useful petroleum products…

07 Jun 2004

Leaders of the Pack

MarineNews is pleased again this year to showcase the thoughts and opinions of workboat industry luminaries and executives, including: Terry Becker, President, Riverway Co.; Larry Daily, President, Alter Barge Line, Inc.; Cherrie Felder, Vice President, Channel Shipyard Companies; William D. Friedman, Executive Director, Ports of Indiana; Berdon Lawrence, Chairman, Kirby and Peter H. Stephaich, Chairman of Campbell Transportation Company, Inc., and C&C Marine Maintenance, Inc. President Riverway Co. For those who may not be familiar with Riverway Co., we are a "medium" sized barge line that operates approximately 500 barges and eight line haul towboats, moving dry bulk commodities primarily on the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.

05 Dec 2001

Port Security Legislation Reinforces Security

Like so many areas of our economy since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the port and maritime areas of the United States are being scrutinized for vulnerability to terrorism. Catastrophic scenarios are all too easy to imagine, and the threats can come from so many directions. To illustrate the complexity of the maritime law enforcement challenge, the Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral James M. "Imagine for a moment the information requirements associated with a hypothetical 6,000 TEU flag-of-convenience container ship with a multi-national crew cobbled together by a hiring agent who works for an Algerian vessel operator who chartered the vessel from a Greek ship owner whose corporate offices are in the Cayman Islands.

14 Dec 2001

As Concerns About Seaport Security Mount, the U.S. Government Reacts

"Maritime Domain Awareness" is the new watchword for the maritime community. The discovery of a well equipped, suspected Al-Qa'eda member in a cargo container in Italy was one of the recent stark lessons in the vulnerability of maritime transportation security. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard temporarily denied entry to the liquefied natural gas tanker Matthew to Boson for insufficient security and a crew member on another vessel who jumped ship in New Orleans was later found to have the telephone number of an Al-Qa'eda terrorist. Congress and the Executive branch are now turning their attention to improving seaport security in ways that could disrupt the movement of ships, freight, crews, and passengers and result in major operational changes for companies in the industry.

04 Jan 2002

Senate Approves Major Port Security Bill

In late December, the United States Senate approved a 95-page bill to enhance security at our nation's ports. Action on counterpart legislation in the House may take place in a few weeks. S. 1214 is entitled the "Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001." Its primary sponsor is Senator Hollings of South Carolina. Provisions of interest include: (1) a private sector advisory committee to help the U.S. Secretary of Transportation address port and maritime security issues; (2) security vulnerability assessments at all ports and waterfront facilities; (3) local port security committees, with private sector participation; (4) Coast Guard "sea marshals" who may board and ride certain arriving vessels of high risk; and (5) loan guarantees and grants to help finance port security improvements.

21 Mar 2002

Ports Encouraged By Passage of Security Bill

U.S. port authorities are pleased about the passage of H.R. 3983, the “Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002,” by the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I) Committee on March 20. “We thank Chairman Don Young (R-AK) of the House T & I Committee, and Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) of Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, for their leadership on moving to address maritime security,” said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). “We are encouraged about the $225 million authorized for Federal grants to help ports enhance seaport security, and the local flexibility provided for vessels and facilities to address terrorism at America’s ports.

05 Jun 2002

Ports Applaud Increased Funding For Security

Increased funding for port security in H.R. 3983, the "Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002," was passed the House on June 4. The FY '02 supplemental appropriations bills, which the House has passed and the Senate may vote on this week, also include additional port security funds. "Greater resources are critical for continued improvements in security at our nation's ports," said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). "We applaud Congress for recognizing this need, and for its investment in helping to secure port facilities from terrorist attacks. H.R. 3983 authorizes $225 million for Federal grants to help ports enhance seaport security, and allows local flexibility to address terrorism at America's ports.

01 Jul 2002

Senate and House Appoint Maritime Conferees

legislation. The conferees will work through the many differences between the Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001 (S. 1214, as passed by the Senate on December 20, 2001), and the Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002 (S. 4). Also expected to be considered in the conference is Senator John Breaux's (D-LA) Ship, Seafarer and Container Security Act (S. 2329). S. 2329 was approved the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on May 17 and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Breaux has stated that his intent is to try to incorporate the bill in any House-Senate conference report on maritime security.

17 Jul 2002

PORT SECURITY: Status Report since 9/11

This article focuses on the necessity to craft an effective network system while meeting the government's objectives in the basic rules for security and surveillance of Ports throughout America. This approach explores, from a programmatic perspective, the notion that dealing with the safety issues facing Homeland Security can be successfully accomplished only if technology interconnects the various agencies defending our Ports. It should be noted that system integration can be achieved with technology that exists today, incorporating wireless and broadband services through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to which all United States Administrators of Defense will have access. Defense budgeting with the intent to fight terrorism is here to stay.

01 Aug 2002

GOVERNMENT: Terrorism Threat and the Immediate Reaction

by Dennis L. When the federal government began examining United States vulnerabilities in the days following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it quickly became apparent that significant weakness existed on the U.S. maritime borders. Many, but not all, of these weaknesses were systemic and derived from both the U.S. open society and the procedures underlying modern maritime commerce. The goal quickly became to reduce the risk of maritime terrorism while not fundamentally altering the efficiencies of the commercial system. It was quickly realized that the threat to the maritime sector consisted of two distinct types: explosives and other contraband being shipped as cargo (particularly in a container) and the ship being used as a weapon…

19 Dec 2002

CSR Protests Proposal to Eliminate Crew List Visas

The Center for Seafarers' Rights (CSR) of the Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey has called on the U.S. State Department to postpone the elimination of crew list visas until October 2004. means merchant mariners have for applying for shore leave until an adequate internationally acceptable replacement for an identity document exists," said Douglas B. Stevenson, Director of the Center for Seafarers' Rights. Currently, there are two varieties of United States crew visas: individual and crew list. By requiring visas, the U.S. prohibition on member states requiring visas as a condition of shore leave. Section 103 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002…

10 Jan 2003

Havnen:Port Security has Become the Dominant Maritime Issue

Much has been happening in the area of Transportation Security. The Department of Homeland Security has been created and will officially open its doors on March 1, 2003. The Coast Guard will remain intact and be an integral part of the new department. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London has been furiously at work generating new international standards. Last and not at all least, the Maritime Transportation Safety Act of 2002 (MTSA) is now the law of the land. For almost a year the Congress has been at an absolute impasse on the subject of maritime security. Suddenly, it has become sufficiently important (after the election) to draw the full attention of the Congress. The Lame Duck session of the Congress performed what had been impossible for the entire year.

18 Nov 2005

Maritime Security Initiative Launched

United States Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced their introduction of the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act. Murray, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and Collins, Chairman of the full Senate Homeland Security Committee, co-authored the bill to improve the security of the millions of cargo containers that enter America's ports unchecked each year. Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) are original cosponsors of this legislation. The nation's current cargo security regime was built pre-9/11, with an emphasis on efficiency but not on security. At present, opportunities for terrorists to tamper with cargo exist at every step along the supply chain.

05 Jun 2006

Louisiana, Coast Guard Sign Maritime Safety Pact

According to a news press release from Governor Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana, officials from the U.S. Coast Guard and state of Louisiana formalized an important maritime security partnership Tuesday with the signing of a memorandum of agreement. The release stated that in August 2004, President George W. Bush signed into law the "Coast Guard Maritime Security Act of 2004" which, among other things, empowers any state or local government law enforcement officer who has the authority to enforce state criminal laws to also enforce violations of federal safety and security zones. According to the release, this agreement sets forth the framework…

20 Apr 2006

Senator Introduces Port Security Bill

According to sources, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said the government needs to do more to protect port cities such as Portland, Maine and she has introduced a bill called The Greenline Maritime Security Act. to make that happen. Collins said that the U.S. can minimize the risk of a terrorist attack by inspecting the millions of cargo containers that enter the country. While Collins admitted that it's impossible to eliminate the risk of a terrorist attack completely, she said the U.S. needs to address the flaws in its current port security systems. At the same time, she added, the new measures must not slow down the pace of commerce. She said that last year alone, 11 million containers arrived by sea in the U.S., and that number is growing at a rate of 10 percent a year.