The U.S. Coast Guard reminds members of the maritime community that security plans for vessels and facilities affected by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 are due to the Coast Guard by the end of this month, and warns that it may impose civil penalties for not complying with the requirement. The Coast Guard estimates that 10,000 U.S. flag vessels, 5,000 facilities and 50 outer continental shelf facilities are required to submit security plans by December 31, as detailed in rules published on July 1. Starting January 1, 2004, the Coast Guard will begin enforcing the security plan submission requirement. Failure to submit a plan is a violation of the MTSA rules and may result in a civil penalty of up to $25…