From Canines to Liquefied Natural Gas
For the past several years, maritime security has been on everyone's mind. From the halls of Congress to the longshoremen working the midnight shift, the threat of a possible terrorist attack on the maritime interests of the United States and dealing with new security requirements have kept this topic on the front burner. While most in the maritime industry are relatively aware of the legislation that has been promulgated since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, new evolving legislation continues to be implemented. In this regard, the most recent legislation that addresses the continuing implementation of the maritime security regime is the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008, HR 2830 (the "Bill").
DHS Adopts Detection Equipment Standards
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Press Release stating that it has adopted standards for radiation and nuclear detection equipment for its personnel and other first responders. The standards, which address, among other things, pocket-sized instruments to be carried on the body and instruments for detection of photon-emitting radioactive substances, were developed in cooperation with the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (HK Law)
Hearing on Detecting Nuclear Weapons
The Subcommittees on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack and on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology of the House Committee on Homeland Security conducted a hearing on detecting nuclear weapons and radiological materials. Mr. Vayl Oxford, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security, testified regarding current nuclear detection equipment and regarding equipment under development. Mr. Gene Aloise, Government Accountability Office (GAO), testified regarding problems in coordinating nuclear detection programs among the various agencies and regarding the effectiveness of radiation equipment currently deployed. Ms.
