US, Japan Partner to Improve Port Security
A U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security team completed a bilateral engagement with Japanese officials during the second week of March.
The engagement involved sharing best practices and visiting with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Ports and Harbors Bureau to observe the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code at two port facilities in Hakata, Japan: the Hakata Chuo passenger wharf and the Hakata island city area container terminal.
“Everyone has security responsibilities in our global economy. The Coast Guard appreciates Japan’s invitation and their commitment to improving port security.” said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Barton, ISPS Program liaison officer, U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East Division.
In 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard developed the International Port Security Program to reinforce the implementation of the ISPS Code. The ISPS Program seeks to reduce risk to U.S. maritime interests, including U.S. ports and ships, and to facilitate secure maritime trade globally.
Under the auspices of this program, a U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security team conducts an annual visit to assess the effectiveness of seaport anti-terrorism measures and provides recommendations and share best practices with government officials to reduce the risk of a maritime security incidents and impacts to the global supply chain. The ISPS program is designed to assist seaports overcome security challenges in a dynamic and ever changing threat environment.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Activities Far East unit coordinates with over 40 countries to execute these bilateral engagements. The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to promoting and facilitating safe and secure maritime trade.
