Law Enforcement Powers News

Everyone in the transportation business will be dealing with security plans. Maritime, highway and railway transporters of cargo will become very familiar with the preparation and maintenance of security plans. The USCG security requirements will specify submission of security assessments and plans by January and full compliance with approved security plans by July 2004. On the other hand, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued interim regulations requiring security plans be in place for highway and rail transporters of placarded hazardous material (and some other commodities) by September 25, 2003, and training of transportation employees before the end of the year.

Senator Snowe (R-ME) introduced a bill (S. 733) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2004 for the United States Coast Guard, and for other purposes. The bill, if adopted, would, among other things, allow the Coast Guard to carry out various ports and waterways safety functions through cooperative ventures; require reports from charterers relating to a vessel's eligibility to engage in coastwise trade; clarify grounds for suspension and revocation of merchant mariner documents; allow U.S. unmanned barges operating outside the United States to be owned by non-citizens; and clarify certain law enforcement powers of Coast Guard members. Source: HK Law