Department Of Homeland Security Customs And Border Protection News

Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is improving radiation scanning equipment used at many of our nation's ports of entry. Radiation portal monitors (RPM) now better detect radiological threats while alarming much less frequently on nonthreatening materials, resulting in big savings. The improvements, known as Revised Operational Settings (ROS), are being implemented during the annual calibrations of radiation portal monitors used to detect radiological threats in cargo and conveyances entering the U.S. through official ports of entry.

General Dynamics successfully completed the initial field deployment and test of the Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) upgrade for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This test demonstrated many technical capabilities of the RVSS system and is a key program milestone in its deployment schedule. U.S. Border Patrol agents are currently operating the RVSS in Nogales, Ariz., and CBP has also initiated deployments in both Naco and Douglas, Ariz. "The Remote Video Surveillance System is a critical element of our overall plan to secure the border, increase our mission effectiveness and protect our agents," said Mark Borkowski, assistant commissioner and chief acquisition executive of CBP's Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition.

SAFE Boats International informs it has been awarded a contract from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to build up to 52 coastal interceptor vessels (CIV). Should all options be executed, the contract value would exceed $48 million. Bremerton, Wash. Based manufacturer of aluminum vessels SAFE Boats describes its CIV as a 41-foot rugged and maneuverable vessel, capable of high speed interceptions and ultra-tight turns in close proximity to other vessels as well as open ocean speeds over 54 knots.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has been granted access to real-time oil export information for the first time, allowing it to improve weekly estimates of fuel demand at a time of intensifying scrutiny of energy data. The change is likely to be welcomed by oil traders who routinely scrutinize the EIA's reports for clues on what is happening in the world's biggest oil consumer, who have long rued the agency's dependence on calculated figures. The appetite for reliable data has taken on added urgency as refined fuel exports doubled since 2010 to about 4 million barrels per day. Every week, the EIA publishes a Petroleum Status Report that includes data on inventories and refinery operations collected directly from energy firms.

Videotel Marine International announced that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in Yorktown, Virginia, which trains Port State Control Officers, has taken delivery of three Videotel on Demand (VOD) units. The units are pre-loaded with top quality marine safety and operational training videos, computer-based training materials (CBT) and instructional courses. Comprehensive and interactive, the training material will be used by the USCG to augment existing Port State Control Office training. "We are delighted to be supporting the USCG's efforts," said Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel.

The Pentagon’s high-speed, shallow-draft “Stiletto” ship, designed and built by M Ship Co., LLC, completed a successful 6,000 nautical-mile deployment on a drug interdiction and apprehension mission in the waters off , the and the . The deployment was capped off by a dramatic, high-speed chase of a “go-fast” boat in shallow waters near the coast that resulted in the apprehension of three suspected smugglers. Even though the Stiletto was officially classified as a demonstrator, the Department of Defense post-deployment report is expected to confirm that the revolutionary vessel reduced “illicit trafficking sanctuaries,” and proved its value as an “affordable, high-speed, shallow-draft craft,” according to the author of the report, Capt.