Security Plans
MARSEC Level Raised in New Orleans
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Bulletin stating that the maritime security condition (MARSEC) within the New Orleans Captain of the Port COTP) zone has been elevated to MARSEC 2. Vessels and waterfront facilities should take appropriate measures to achieve that level of security. For those vessels and facilities without current security plans, reference should be made to the USCG Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) addressing Vessel Security Plans and Facility Security Plans respectively. The Bulletin did not explain the rationale for elevating the MARSEC level. Source: HK Law
Coast Guard Receives Majority of Maritime Security Plans
The U.S. Coast Guard announced today that 90 percent of vessels and port facilities turned in security plans as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Penalties are being issued to those that have not submitted any of the information required.“Security in America’s ports is a shared responsibility,” said Rear Adm. Larry Hereth, director of port security for the Coast Guard. “We have made tremendous progress protecting the ports
IMO Updates ISPS Figures
The IMO released ISPS Code implementation figures as of June 16, 2004. To date, 39 governments have provided responses indicating 21,347 ships from those nations are subject to the ISPS Code; 16,570 ship security plans have been submitted to these governments; and 6,127 International Ship Security Certificates (ISSCs) have been issued. Of the 6,117 port facilities identified by these governments, 1,970 have submitted security plans and 663 have been approved
Toolkit for Security Plan
Together with the Ministry of Transport, RMPM has developed a Port Facility Security Toolkit. This intelligent software program will be made available free of charge via a secure internet link to 134 companies from the Rotterdam port and industrial complex that have to comply with the ISPS code. The program comprises a detailed questionnaire based on eleven themes, such as 'terminal access' and 'cargo handling'. By filling in the questions, the terminal carries out a risk assessment
IMO Provides ISPS Code implementation Status
The IMO provided ISPS Code implementation figures as of June 11, 2004. To date, 38 governments have provided responses indicating 21,347 ships from those nations are subject to the ISPS Code; 16,465 ship security plans have been submitted to these governments; and 4,841 International Ship Security Certificates (ISSCs) have been issued. Of the 6,114 port facilities identified by these governments, 2,044 have submitted security plans and 654 have been approved
Legal Beat: At Sea with U.S. Maritime Security
By Dennis L. Bryant Senior Maritime Counsel, Holland & Knight The U.S. Coast Guard issued its final regulations implementing the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). These regulations replace the interim rules issued on July 1, 2003 and take into account comments received thereon. Few substantive changes, though, have been made. The majority of the changes are in the nature of clarifications. The submission date for security plans was changed from December 29 to
New Maritime Security Book Published
The Nautical Institute publish a guide to making a vessel truly secure with a security culture that works both onboard & ashore. Written by Steven Jones MSc BSc (Hons) MNI, Maritime Director of the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI), the book examines the threats to maritime trade, and to specific ship types, before discussing in detail how the ISPS Code came into being and its underpinning principles and requirements.
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).
Bills Introduced to Import Port Security
Representative Harman (D-CA) and Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced companion bills (H.R. 1731 and S. 855) to improve the security of the Nation’s ports by providing Federal grants to support Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and to address vulnerabilities in port areas identified in approved vulnerability assessments or by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (HK Law)
USCG Preparing for July 1 Deadline
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release stating that it is rapidly preparing for the July 1 deadline for implementation of the maritime security regulations. Security plans have been received from 99% of U.S. vessels and facilities subject to the regulations. The agency will verify compliance with the corresponding international requirements by all foreign vessels calling in U.S. ports. Source: HK Law
UKHO Publish World's First Security Paper Charts
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office's (UKHO) security charts are designed to protect against risks, including piracy. The two new Admiralty Maritime Security Charts, cover the waters around India and Southeast Asia, including the Malacca Straits.
MARSEC Level Increased
As of April 15, 2013, the Captain of the Port of Boston has raised the MARSEC Level to MARSEC level 2 within the COPT Boston zone. Each owner or operator of a vessel or facility required to have a security plan under 33 CFR Parts 104 or 105 must notify the COTP at (617) 223-5242 within 12
Armed Private Security Guards: Malta-flag Issues Advisory
Shipping Notice 106 to owners of ships registered in Malta is outlined here as an example of one flag-state's action to control the use of private guards. The shipping notice advises that all applications to carry Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) shall be accompanied
US Coast Guard Schedule TWIC Public Meetings
The U.S. Coast Guard public meetings concern the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) proposal. The meetings are scheduled in accordance with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Reader Requirements Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Background:
PVA Calls for TWIC Re-Evaluation
Passenger Vessel Association Marks 10th Anniversary of Maritime Security Law; Calls for Reevaluation of TWIC. On the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the landmark Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) (Public Law 107-295)
Stowaways Choose to Hide Between a Rock & a Hard Place
The American P&I Club warns again that stowaways continue to hide in the ship's rudder stock recess. The P&I Club advise its members that stowaways wait in port areas until after dark and then swim to the rudder stock, climbing it and hiding inside the recess
Ensuring There are No Hiding Places for Stowaways
The problem of stowaways hiding in a ship’s rudder stock recess, especially at African ports, still persists, the American Club has warned its members. They are urged to take proper precautions to prevent stowaways from boarding and hiding themselves in this manner
USCG Eases TWIC Requirements
The Coast Guard announced the publication of a policy letter that exempts a number of mariners from the requirement to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential when renewing or obtaining a Coast Guard-issued merchant mariner credential
GMATS Offers Approved Security Courses
Combined Vessel, Company, and Facility Security Officer Course offered by GMATS in multiple locations. This course has been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration through the quality standard system of Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
IMSN Earns DNV Certification for Anti-Piracy Course
Det Norske Veritas certifies first Anti-Piracy Course offered by International Maritime Security Network Dania Beach, FL (April 21, 2011) – International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) has become the first maritime security training center to offer an eLearning-based Anti-Piracy Defense
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
Int’l Register of Shipping Opens Singapore Office
International Register of Shipping (IRS) has opened an office in Singapore. The office will be designated as a regional centre for the classification society and will offer a wide range of services. “Singapore is one the busiest ports in the world and with a free market economy and
Federal Security Grants Fund Maintenance
The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) announced in its newsletter that for the first time, funds awarded under the Port Security Grant Program will be available for certain “maintenance and sustainment” costs, including warranties, costs of repairing or replacing equipment
Marsh & REDfour Partner to Address Piracy
Marsh, insurance broker and risk adviser, and REDfour (MSS) Ltd, a maritime security firm, announced they are working together to help shipowners address potential exposures associated with piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden.
Canada Improves Security on Domestic Ferries
Canada's Transport Minister John Baird announced proposed regulations to improve security for domestic ferry services. Under the proposed regulations, operators would be required to have security plans in place to help detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents