First Great Lakes Security Plan Approved

In accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Milwaukee has reviewed and approved the first facility security plan in the Great Lakes region. This regulated facility is one of the first maritime facilities in the United States to receive U. S. Coast Guard approval under the full compliance review process.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act requires maritime facilities to conduct facility security assessments and develop facility security plans to deter, detect, and defend against potential terrorists and other criminal activities. On or before July 1, 2004, facilities must begin operating in compliance with their proposed security plans. This is an essential element of the Department of Homeland Security’s national strategy to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, to reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize the damage, and recover from attacks that may occur. While the Maritime Transportation Security Act has elements designed to protect our entire marine transportation system, it places more requirements on the kinds of facilities and vessels identified as facing a higher risk of being involved in a transportation security incident resulting in significant loss of life, environmental damage, or economic disruption. The U. S. Coast Guard recognizes the importance of balancing the nation’s need for increased maritime security and the needs of the users of the marine transportation system. Our goal has been and will continue to be to protect our marine transportation system from terrorism, while preserving the extraordinary benefits our waterways provide, including international trade, domestic commerce and recreational opportunities.