Port Security Advisory Policy Change

The US Coast Guard issued Port Security Advisory 5-08.  In a welcome change, the use of armed security guards on vessels that are subject to conditions of entry into US ports will no longer be automatic.  Rather, such requirement may be imposed by the Coast Guard after considering the security compliance history of the vessel.  In other words, keep good records of security actions taken during port calls in nations found to not maintain effective anti-terrorism measures.  The Advisory also added three port facilities in Indonesia that have been excepted from the conditions of entry. (HK Law)