Port Security Improvement Act News

President Bush signed into law the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE Port) Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954). Among other things, this bill, also known as the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006, modifies the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by requiring the prompt issuance of TWIC cards to maritime employees and the initiation of a pilot program for installation and use of card readers. It also codifies the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI) programs. Source: HK Law

The official text of the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954), which was passed by Congress just before its recent recess, has been posted on the Internet. The measure provides for, among other things, the inclusion of salvage response provisions in all Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans; the phased distribution of transportation worker identification credentials (to be accompanied by a pilot program to test card reader technology); long-range vessel tracking provisions; authorization for port security grants (based on risk) in the amount of $400 million annually; and codification of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. The bill now awaits the President's signature. Source: HK Law

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) applauded the unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate to pass the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954), welcoming the legislation as a comprehensive plan to improve maritime cargo and facility security and maintain an efficient flow of commerce through America’s ports. “Representatives of several Senate committees took components of the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act (S. 2459) and the Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 (S. 2791) to develop an important new bill that promises to enhance port and cargo security at home, strengthen the federal Port Security Grant program to help U.S.