Port Security Regulations News

The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a not for profit trade association representing the interests of maritime-related businesses in the tri-state region, announced the completion of a major project to convert its community based port information software to a new Internet-based platform. Known as Maritime On-Line (MOL), the system includes a collection of applications to assist maritime and law enforcement personnel with the day-to-day operations of vessel, cargo, and crew processing through U.S. seaports. The Maritime Exchange has been in the business of tracking vessel movements on the Delaware River since it was formed in 1872.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta will address port authority leaders from across the Western Hemisphere on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Secretary Mineta will address delegates and guests at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities AAPA), from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday's luncheon, in the Venetian Ballroom. "We're really pleased that the Secretary will join us to address some very important port issues," said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA president. Secretary Mineta will likely talk about port security, the new Transportation Security Administration, reauthorization of the Transportation Efficiency Act of 2001 (TEA 21), and the need for SEA 21 legislation.

The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) along with the American Association of Port Authorities and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association brought together the ports of the Caribbean June 25-27, 2003, in Jamaica, to discuss the implementation of new international security requirements. The workshop provided an in-depth overview of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, as required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by July 2004. The ISPS Code provides a standard global security framework that will enable ports, shipping companies and governments to operate on equal preparedness and response levels. The IMO developed the ISPS Code to implement maritime and port security regulations in response to heightened security issues since Sept.

In early 2002, and again in 2003, the federal government offered rounds of Port Security Grants. They were ostensibly Transportation Security Administration monies administered and meted out jointly by the US Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). There was $93 million in 2002 and about $104 million in 2003. The 2003 grant process is just now being concluded. The most recent opportunity to submit an application to obtain grant monies (out of the funds allocated for this round) closed on February 27, 2003. The distribution of these funds is expected in May, 2003. While the 2003 grants have not yet been distributed, various port authorities around the country have been the dominant users of the previous grants…