Maritime Transportation Security Act Of 2002

President Signs MTS Act of 2002

In addition to signing the Homeland Security Act yesterday, President Bush also signed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. This Act will strengthen security at the Nation's seaports by requiring comprehensive security plans for U.S. ports and mandating improved identification and screening of seaport personnel.

DHS Issues Proposal on Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on draft regulations that would establish chemical facility anti-terrorism standards and on several practical and policy issues integral to the development of a chemical facility security program. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by February 7, 2007. Various facilities, including those currently regulated by the US Coast Guard under the Maritime Transportation Security Act

The Coast Guard Announces Deployment of Homeport

The Coast Guard officially announced its initial deployment of Homeport, an internet portal. Homeport (version 1.0) is the official Coast Guard information technology system for maritime security created to provide information and services to the maritime community and the public over the Internet. Coast Guard Federal Maritime Security Coordinators will use Homeport as a primary means for the day-to-day management and communication of port security matters with Area Maritime Security

PVA Offers Free Security Training Program

PVA has developed a free new crew training program that will assist them in meeting the training requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). Entitled “Security Training for the Passenger Vessel Industry,” this program is a computer-based training tool designed to assist in establishing a basic security training program on board your vessel and in your facility. It is ideal for deckhands, reservation agents, ticket agents and others

Coast Guard to Hold Maritime Security Meetings

The U.S. Coast Guard is holding seven public meetings to discuss requirements for security assessments, plans, and specific security measures for ports, vessels, and facilities. Discussions will aid the Coast Guard in determining the types of vessels and facilities that pose a risk of being involved in a transportation security incident, and in identifying security measures and standards to deter such incidents. Discussions will also focus on aligning domestic maritime security requirements

DHS Announces West Coast Maritime Radiation Detection Project

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) announced the West Coast Maritime pilot program that will provide maritime radiation detection capabilities for State and local authorities in Washington’s Puget Sound and California’s San Diego areas. The three-year pilot program involves the development of a radiation detection architecture that reduces the risk of radiological and nuclear threats that could be illegally transported on recreational or small

Coast Guard Holding Public Meetings on AIS Requirements

The Coast Guard is seeking public input on possibly expanding requirements for vessels to install Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and is convening three public meetings around the country in November and December to facilitate discussion on this issue. Currently, Coast Guard regulations require AIS be installed on commercial vessels that are on international voyages. Other commercial vessels are also required to have AIS when they are operating in U.S. waters that have

Shipyards Say Federal Security Rule May be Redundant

A federal plan to screen port workers could have unintended consequences for some local shipyards - driving up the cost to build and repair Navy ships while doing nothing to improve security, industry officials say. The new worker credential system, expected to take effect next year, is aimed at beefing up security at ports to guard against terrorism. Longshoremen, truckers and other transportation workers needing unescorted access to secure areas of the ports will have to obtain

Show Me the (Grant) Money

Following the mandates to enhance maritime security throughout the United States, programs were developed to make federal funds available to partially offset the costs being imposed on the private sector. The programs, which started off with great fanfare, are in danger of collapsing due to lack of continued funding by Congress and attempts by the Administration to siphon off monies for other missions. The first monies appropriated by Congress for port security grants were in the

Deadline for new port security measures approaching

By Jonathan K. Waldron During a visit to Charleston, S.C. last month, President Bush touted his proposed 13 percent budget increase for homeland security with U.S. ports being a primary priority. The visit came just six months before these facilities must implement several domestic and international requirements intended to add additional layers of defense and protection from potential terrorist acts. These provisions are contained in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA)