JAXPORT Hires Collins as Security Director
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) announced Monday that retired United States Coast Guard (USCG) Captain Dwight Collins has joined the port as Director of Public Safety and Security.Captain Collins directs all law enforcement, physical security, safety, and emergency management and preparedness services in support of more than 200,000 port employees, tenants and customers. He is also responsible for ensuring enforcement of seaport security initiatives in compliance with all federal…
Funding Only Bright Spot in President’s Budget - AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the recognized and authoritative voice of the seaport industry, yesterday noted some positive aspects but mostly disappointment over the funding levels and programmatic changes in federal port-related programs that were proposed today in President Obama’s fiscal 2016 budget. “International trade now accounts for fully 30 percent of the U.S. economy,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. The President’s budget includes a $478 billion, six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, to be paid for with transition revenue from business tax reform. The proposal would pay for repairs to existing roads and bridges…
Mariner Group Wins GSN Award
The Mariner Group announced it has been recognized again by Government Security News (GSN) as the Most Notable Seaport Security Solution in this year’s Airport, Seaport, & Border Security Awards Program. The awards program covers security initiatives completed within the past 12 months in categories ranging from Access Control to Underwater Surveillance and Integrated Security Programs. The GSN Awards acknowledge exceptional programs and technologies for security at airports, seaports and borders. Mariner’s submission described how CommandBridge—their situation awareness platform — challenges traditional security methods by emphasizing the importance of context. This contradicts the common misconception that simply adding extra sensors results in increased awareness.
Port Manatee's 3 projects to get underway
Port Manatee has been awarded a $1,837,500 security grant, allowing the port to proceed with three significant projects. The award, the second-highest for any Florida port in the latest round of grants offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, facilitates full funding for each of the three projects named in the request of the port, which is putting forth a required 25 percent match. Purchase of new geographic information system, or GIS, software to actively manage traffic patterns, as well as better identify and plan critical infrastructure. “We are thankful to receive full funding to enhance security at Port Manatee as it is crucial in continuing the growth of the port,” said David St. Pierre, Port Manatee’s director of seaport security.
AAPA Sees Just One Bright Spot in President's Fiscal 2015 Budget
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), on behalf of its United States member seaports, expresses both encouragement and disappointment over the funding levels and programmatic changes in federal port-related programs proposed in the President’s FY 2015 budget. While the President’s budget proposal included funding for a new National Infrastructure Investment program, it also decreases funding for the Corps of Engineers’ modernization and maintenance programs for seaports and eliminates the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant program.
AAPA Applauds Port Infrastructure Funding
In applauding Congress’ passage late yesterday of the $1.1 trillion Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2014, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) noted that several high priority programs crucial to the safe, efficient and competitive operation of American seaports are included in the appropriations mix. This includes funding for U.S. DOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants, U.S. Corps of Engineers’ navigation-related programs…
AlliedBarton Enters 10-year Partnership with PortStar
PortStar announces a 10-year National Partner License Agreement with AlliedBarton Security Services, the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel, for use of its Seaport Security Training System. This agreement gives AlliedBarton access to the PORTSTAR Seaport Security Training System for use by its employees. It also allows AlliedBarton the ability to make PortStar available to its clients at an affordable rate.
AAPA Judge the FY 2014 Budget a Support 'Potpouri'
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) consider the FY 2014 Administration Budget contains mixed blessings for the industry. With the release today of President Obama’s fiscal 2014 budget, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)—representing seaports in the United States and throughout the Americas—stated there are both positive and concerning aspects of the budget pertaining to ports and the efficient and secure movement of freight. In regard to modernizing and maintaining America’s port navigation infrastructure, AAPA commends the Administration’s budget request for being $42 million higher than last year’s $848 million request for the coastal navigation portion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program.
Ports Urge Congress to Support Port Security Grants
At two separate Congressional hearings, representatives of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) emphasized the need for federal support for seaport security and maintenance and improvements to federal navigation channels. Port industry leaders illustrated the challenges underfunding security and dredging pose for national security and U.S. international competitiveness. As the House Appropriations Committee begins work on the Fiscal Year 2013 budget, AAPA executives…
AAPA: Mixed Reaction on Proposed 2013 Budget
With the release of President Obama’s fiscal 2013 budget, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) expressed both accolades, and some disappointment, over various aspects of the budget pertaining to ports and the efficient and secure movement of freight. Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO, said that, even though the Administration’s budget includes cuts in order to meet the Budget Control Act passed by Congress last year, there are bright spots for seaports, such as a much-needed increase in the portion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ funding pertaining to deep-draft navigation maintenance, and funding for the Department of Transportation’s budget that pertains to enhancing America’s freight mobility.
Payne Named to AAPA Board
J. Stanley Payne, Chief Executive Officer of the Canaveral Port Authority, will serve on the 2009-10 Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). He was named to the 10-member board during the annual AAPA meeting held this year in Galveston, Texas. AAPA is an alliance of leading ports in the Western Hemisphere. The mission of the organization is to protect and advance the common interests of its diverse members as they connect their communities with the global transportation system.
Canaveral Creates Seaport Police Department
Joseph Hellebrand, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, will serve as chief of the newly created Port Canaveral Police Department. The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners established the department late last year as culmination of a four-year initiative to enhance public safety at the world’s second busiest cruise port and Central Florida’s outlet to the sea. “The formation of the Police Department is simply the next step in the evolution of public safety at Port Canaveral in the aftermath of 9/11 and the increased demands of both federal and state laws and regulations,” said Port CEO Stan Payne. Hillebrand, who rose through the ranks from rookie officer to deputy chief with Melbourne, Florida Police Department, will develop the Port’s new department during the next few months.
AAPA: New Security Regulations Will Require Billions in Investment
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and the U.S. acts. security measures. Enhancing seaport security is a top priority for U.S. ports today. Homeland Security (DHS) which takes the lead on maritime security. international sea borders. cooperation and coordination and the funding to meet the law's intent. billion in the first year and $5.45 billion over ten years. heightened security. progress, sustained funds are needed. required under these new regulations. critical to our nation's defense and economic vitality. done with airports. to building a strong homeland defense. Congress to provide $400 million in grant funding in FY'05. funding. DHS from the public port industry perspective," noted Mr. Nagle. control systems as part of their port facility plans.
Maritime Exchange VP Elected to Head MISNA
At their fall meeting, members of Maritime Information Service of North America (MISNA), a non-profit association dedicated to promoting safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations, elected Lisa B. Himber, vice president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, to serve as the organization's president for 2004. Other officers include: Immediate Past President - Liz Wainwright, Merchants Exchange of Portland, OR; Vice President - Ed Page, Marine Exchange of Alaska; Lynn Korwatch, Marine Exchange of San Francisco Bay; and Alastair MacNab, Marine Exchange of the West Gulf. The Maritime Exchange…
Government Required Maritime Security Training Programs Now Available in Video Tape for Ports and S
SeaSecure LLC, has created, in partnership with Moxie Media, the first comprehensive ISPS Code and MTSA-compliant maritime security training program designed specifically for seaports and shipping companies to meet both US and international regulatory requirements. SeaSecure, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, co-developed the 11 video (or DVD) training program with Moxie Media, one of the United States’ largest producers and distributors of training and safety programs. “As a result of the terror attacks of 9/11, the United Nations and the United States established requirements that port and ship personnel all receive specific maritime security training”, Petersen said in a press conference.
Federal Budget Proposal Released
The White House issued a Press Release stating that the proposed FY 2005 federal budget has been sent to Congress. As can only occur in Washington, the agencies are lining up to explain how happy they are to have their budgets cut or capped. The Department of Homeland Security (one of the few winners in the battle of the budget) announced that a $3.7 billion increase in funding to $40.2 billion has been proposed for the department for FY05. On border and port security, the budget includes $411 million more than in FY04 for customs and border patrol, immigration and customs enforcement, and the Coast Guard. For seaport security, the president proposed an additional $25 million over last year's funding for the final phase of a pre-screening cargo initiative.
Seaport Security Bill Introduced
Representative Millender-McDonald (D-CA) introduced the United States Seaport Multiyear Security Enhancement Act (H.R. 3712) to improve seaport security. If enacted, the bill would authorize $800 million annually for funding of seaport security projects. (Source: HK Law)
Senator Nelson Calls for More Security Money
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson called on Congress and the administration to do more to sufficiently fund port security or risk a potentially devastating attack at one of the nation's coastal sites believed to be highly vulnerable to terrorists. Without more funds for seaport security, Nelson told port officials in Tampa today, the United States won't be able to significantly increase the inspection rate of arriving shipping containers, which is now at just 3 percent. Nelson, like Florida's senior U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, believes that the nation's 361 ports remain among its most vulnerable assets. On Friday, he met with port officials to discuss the president's new budget proposal for port security. That proposal was just blasted by another of Nelson's key Senate colleagues, U.S. Sen.
TSA, Florida Team To Tighten Seaport Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Florida state House and Senate leaders, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced a partnership designedto strengthen security at the State's seaports. The partnership, formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement signed in mid-February, will define requirements for background checks and state-of-the-art identification credentials for truck drivers, dockworkers and others who require unescorted access to the secure areas of the seaports. TSA will provide the infrastructure of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which offers a giant leap in transportation security by balancing the needs of commerce and individual privacy with those of security.
Seaport Security Bill Introduced
Senator Boxer (D-CA) introduced the United States Seaport Multiyear Security Enhancement Act (S. 2240) to improve seaport security. The measure, if enacted, would authorize the appropriation of $800 million each year through FY 2009 for port security grants. It would also authorize the awarding of multi-year grants. (HK Law).
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.
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.
Ports Urge Senate to Include Port Security Funding
On December 7, the Senate approved an emergency spending bill for homeland security as part of the Department of Defense FY'02 Appropriations bill. Although Senator Byrd (D-WVA) had to drop his additional funding for homeland security, $50 million for port security was included in the Senate-passed bill. An additional $50 million would be spent in FY '02 on Coast Guard ($12 million); Customs ($15 million), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) ($23 million); $12 million of this would be for loan guarantees. House/Senate negotiations on the final bill are expected to take place soon. The House version does provide money for Customs and Coast Guard, but does not fund MARAD's programs. On Dec. 13, U.S.