PVA Meets with TSA Officials

The newly created Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is best known for the fact that it is taking over all security and screening functions at American airports. However, TSA also has broad jurisdiction over all transportation modes, including maritime. TSA is beginning to look at security issues affecting the maritime industry. To familiarize the new agency with the characteristics of the U.S.-flag domestic passenger vessel industry, PVA staff (John Groundwater, Peter Lauridsen, and Ed Welch) met recently with TSA representatives, including several USSG officers, in Washington, D.C. TSA participants in the meeting included Mark H. Johnson (Deputy Associate Under Secretary for Maritime and Land Security), Ken Concepcion (Maritime Branch Chief, Passenger/Cargo), and Pat Harris. The meeting's goal was for PVA to establish and maintain a working relationship with TSA and to understand their future plans as they relate to the domestic passenger vessel industry. Source: PVA Member Update