Security Measures

Australia Cautions Against Unilateral Security Measures

The Honorable John Anderson, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister for Transport and Regional Services delivered a Speech in which he discussed the globalization of the maritime shipping industry and cautioned against unilateral maritime security measures, such as pre-screening of cargo, that go beyond the universal measures being developed at the IMO. Source: HK Law

USCG Port Security Advisory

The U.S. Coast Guard issued an updated Port Security Advisory. The advisory lists nations that have failed to communicate to the IMO or the USCG all required information regarding port facility security compliance. The nations listed in this Advisory are: Albania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Nauru. In a change from the previous advisory, Equatorial Guinea has been removed from the list

DOS: Cost of non-immigrant Visa to Rise

The US Department of State issued a final rule amending the regulations regarding security measures for issuance of non-immigrant visas. Effective January 1, 2008, fingerprinting and name checks will be required for all visa applicants (with certain narrow exceptions not pertinent here). The cost of these additional security measures will be included in the fees for the visas. While not reflected in the Federal Register

MTSA policy guidance for certain U.S. vessels

The U.S. Coast Guard issued Policy Guidance regarding use of the Alternative Security Program (ASP) for U.S. vessels subject to the ISPS Code. The guidance advises how to utilize the ASP while continuing to meet requirements of the ISPS Code. It also reminds operators of uninspected domestic vessels that the vessel security plan must clearly describe the security measures that will be employed during voyages to which the maritime security regulations are applicable. (HK Law).

MTSA Policy Guidance for Certain U.S. Vessels

The U.S. Coast Guard issued Policy Guidance regarding use of the Alternative Security Program (ASP) for U.S. vessels subject to the ISPS Code. The guidance advises how to utilize the ASP while continuing to meet requirements of the ISPS Code. It also reminds operators of uninspected domestic vessels that the vessel security plan must clearly describe the security measures that will be employed during voyages to which the maritime security regulations are applicable. (HK Law)

Port Security Tightens

U.S. PORTS: Security measures have been imposed at ports around the United States. Masters should therefore be prepared for a more extensive security control of their vessel prior to calling at US ports. PANAMA CANAL: The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) has advised that security has been intensified but the transits remain unchanged. SUEZ CANAL: The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) confirmed on 12 September that Suez Canal movements are normal. Sources: Worms Services, Paris; C. Fernie & Co

FL Governor Taps Port Canaveral CEO for New Seaport Security Council

J. Stanley Payne, CEO of Port Canaveral, is among 10 leaders selected to serve on Governor Bush’s newly created Seaport Security Standards Advisory Council. The panel of port, tourism, and law enforcement leaders will review the current security measures enacted in 2001 to determine what changes are needed to protect Florida’s ports from terrorism, drug trafficking, and cargo theft. The Council also will provide a formal review process for regulation disputes.

USCG Port Security Advisory for Libya

The U.S. Coast Guard, in light of civil unrest in Libya, issued a Port Security Advisory for Libya March 11, suggesting security measures for ships to take when calling upon Libyan ports. Civil unrest in Libya has prompted U.S. government concerns regarding whether port facility requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code are still being executed and maintained.  The U.S. Coast Guard is unable to determine that effective

Panama Canal and ISPS Implementation

The Panama Canal Authority issued an Advisory stating that it is implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code on 1 July 2004. SOLAS vessels will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code. Non-SOLAS vessels will be required to demonstrate that they have implemented comparable security measures. The Authority will not provide in advance the names of its personnel who will be boarding ships

New US Coast Guard Regs for Vessels Inbound from Most Yemeni Ports

Due to lack of effective anti-terrorism measures in many Yemeni ports USCG to impose conditions of entry into US waters. The regulations came about following a Coast Guard finding that Yemeni ports do not maintain effective anti-terrorist measures along with an assessment that Yemen presents a significant risk of introducing instruments of terror into maritime commerce. In addition, Yemen's legal regime has deficiencies in the areas of access and cargo control and designated authority