USCG Updates Boarding Target Lists

Flag state administrations and previous ports of call are factors in determining security risk

The Coast Guard has updated security targeting information for foreign flag vessels, which includes a vessel’s flag state administration and last five port of calls. The revised information is provided on the following web site: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/pscweb/index.htm. The information for flag states and recognized security organizations will be updated monthly until the end of the year. Targeting statistics will be compiled annually and published in an annual report starting in 2005.

Flag administrations whose names appear on the targeted flag state list have demonstrated a below average compliance rate in the United States for security since July 1. Foreign vessels flying these flags can expect increased scrutiny and boardings based on this information. Singapore’s compliance has improved over the last month, and the Coast Guard has removed Singapore from the targeting list.

The countries listed in the last port of call targeted list have not reported their compliance with new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code reporting requirements. A Port Security Advisory outlines these countries and may be found at the following website: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/xport.html. The Coast Guard will target vessels for increased boardings upon arrival to U.S. ports if they have visited one of these countries in their last five port calls. Four countries have recently reported international compliance with the ISPS Code and have since been removed from the list. Those countries are Lebanon, Guinea, Mozambique and Nigeria.