Sea Security

Maritime Security: More Work to be Done

Global maritime anti-terror laws introduced last year have broadly enhanced sea security, but many challenges lie ahead, a principal architect of the measures said in an interview, according to a Reuters report posted on www.btimes.com. James F. Wall, until 2004 chair of the UN International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) security arm responsible for drawing up the law, said merchant ships were generally more secure than the ports which still need more security. The International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code, drawn up in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the US, has been described as the toughest the industry has faced since World War II.

Sea Marshals Urges Ship Operators to Stay Vigilant

The threat to maritime trade from Somali pirates continues, and ship operators should stay vigilant and adhere to best management practices, according to private maritime security company Sea Marshals Ltd, which counsels against complacency at this time. Latest security industry intelligence points to a likely upsurge in pirate attacks, particularly given recent releases of hijacked vessels and a reduction in attack success rates.

USCG Outlines Draft IMO Security Proposal

At a public meeting on January 3, the Coast Guard unveiled the security initiatives it plans to propose at an upcoming special session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on maritime security. Over the next year, IMO will review measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism that threaten the safety of vessels and the security of passengers and crews. The Coast Guard will also hold a public workshop January 28-30 to discuss security procedures, programs

Canadian Security Regs Tightened

Proposed amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that strengthen security requirements for vessels, marine facilities and ports were announced by Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "A secure, strong marine industry is vital to Canada's dynamic economy," said Mr. Valeri. "These regulations will surpass the International Maritime Organization requirements and help ensure that Canada's marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world."

USS Mahan Counterpiracy Ops

As part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) is cooperating with approximately 14 nations also operating in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. CTF 151, a counterpiracy task force, was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment. “In our first two weeks on patrol, we have coordinated and deconflicted our efforts with a host of other navies,” said Cmdr

Counter-piracy: Sea Marshalls to Set Up Cape Verde Base

To thwart escalating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, Sea Marshalls gets license to use Cape Verde as base for ship security operations. The Government of Cape Verde earlier granted a licence to Cape Verde Maritime Security Services (CVMSS) allowing it exclusive rights to vet Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) who want to use the island as a base for embarking and disembarking armed security teams. Sea Marshalls is the first company to obtain its approval.

USS John C. Stennis Now Operating in Persian Gulf

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducts operations in the Arabian Sea. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on regularly scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability, as well as aid counter-terrorism and security efforts to regional nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ronald Reeves From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

Panama Canal is ISPS Ready

Security at the Panama Canal was enhanced recently as it implemented requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and received fulfillment certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Consulting (an affiliate of the American Bureau of Shipping). The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) voluntarily sought certification and chose to comply with the Code, which is mandatory for ship and port facilities by July 1, 2004

IMO welcomes Security Council Moves on Piracy

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos has welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution authorizing a series of decisive measures to combat acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels off the coast of . Under the terms of resolution 1816 (2008), which was adopted unanimously, the Security Council decided that, following receipt of a letter from Somalia to the President of the UN Security Council giving the consent of Somalia's Transitional Federal

Russian Black Sea Fleet Voices Security Concern

Russian Navy Black Sea Fleet HQ worried new buiding may breach naval base security The Staff of the Russian Black Sea Fleet said it faces information safety problems over plans to build a hotel in the immediate vicinity of its headquarters. The construction of a high-rise hotel building within 50 meters from the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in the Ukrainian city of Sevastopol is due to begin this year. “The fleet’s command is seriously concerned over plans to build a hotel