OIG: CBP Actions to Intercept Terrorists at Ports of Entry
The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a summary of its review of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actions taken to intercept suspected terrorists at US air, land, and sea ports of entry. While improvements have been made in the screening process, agents still rely heavily on the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) to check persons listed in the Automated Passenger Information System (APIS) reports submitted by carriers. Because the TSDB only allows comparison of names, numerous false positives occur. The OIG recommends use of a more robust system, such as the US-VISIT program, to reduce the number of false positives. OIG-06-43 (7/25/06).

TWIC & MMC
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Coast Guard have posted the 35-page Power Point Presentation that is being used at their public meetings to explain and receive comments on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) proposals. TWICs will be required of all persons needing unescorted access the any of the 10,800 US commercial vessels and/or the 3,500 maritime facilities regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). MMCs will be required of all USCG-credentialed merchant mariners. The agencies envision an 18-month timeline to complete the initial phase of these projects.

Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan
The US Department of Homeland Security released the 63-page Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan. The plan provides a standardized procedure for restoration of maritime transportation systems following an incident of national significance. It includes an exercise plan to maintain a level of preparedness within the maritime community.

Combating Nuclear Smuggling
DHS Has Made Progress Deploying Radiation Detection Equipment at U.S. Ports-of-Entry, but Concerns Remain (3/28/06)

Securing U.S. Ports
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Fact Sheet providing an overview of the major aspects of the layered defense in the U.S. maritime security program. The Dubai Ports World acquisition of P&O Ports is also discussed.

GAO - Risk Assessment for Ports and Other Critical Infrastructure
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report stating that further refinements are needed to fully assess risks and prioritize protective measures at ports and other critical infrastructure. While GAO found the Coast Guard to have a robust program and the
Office of Domestic Preparedness to be making good progress, it found the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP)
Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to be facing numerous challenges. GAO-06-91.

U.S. Maritime Security Plan
The Homeland Security Council adopted the National Strategy for Maritime Security as part of on overall national strategy to deter terrorism . The strategy's objectives are to prevent terrorist or criminal acts; protect population centers and critical infrastructure; minimize damage and expedite recovery after an attack, and safeguard the ocean and its resources. The strategy incorporates eight implementation plans covering items from maritime domain awareness to supply-chain security, to recovery. The plan concludes that protecting maritime infrastructure is a challenging task simply because of its size and complexity and emphasizes the need for cooperation and coordination internationally, and domestically among state, local and federal agencies.

The text of the plan may be found at http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/HSPD13_MaritimeSecurityStrategy.pdf

Maritime Security:
Enhancements Made, But Implementation and Sustainability Remain Key Challenges
GAO-05-448T, May 17, 2005 Abstract, Highlights-PDF, PDF, Accessible Text

Maritime Security:
New Structures Have Improved Information Sharing, but Security Clearance Processing Requires Further Attention GAO-05-394, April 15, 2005
Abstract, Highlights-PDF, PDF, Accessible Text

Senate Hearing on Port Security
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducted a hearing on Port Security. Mr. Robert Jacksta, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, discussed the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the Container Security Initiative (CSI), the Smart Box Initiative, and non-intrusive inspection and radiation detection technologies. RADM Larry Hereth, U.S. Coast Guard, discussed reducing maritime risk, implementing the maritime strategy, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and overseeing the maritime security regime. Mr. Richard L. Skinner, Acting Inspector General, DHS, discussed preventing terrorist weapons from entering the U.S., maritime security, and the port security grant program. Ms. Margaret T. Wrightson, GAO, stated that security at U.S seaports has been enhanced, but that implementation and sustainability remain as challenges. Ms. Jean Godwin, VP, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) discussed the underfunding of the port security grant program and inconsistencies in what projects are eligible for grants. Mr. Christopher Koch, President & CEO, World Shipping Council, discussed cargo security risk assessment screening, radiation inspection, in-transit container security, the C-TPAT program, the role of the World Customs Organization, and container security technology. (5/17/05).

USCG International Port Security Program
The U.S. Coast Guard issued procedures for its implementation of the International Port Security (IPS) Program. The IPS Program will focus on information exchanges with other nations to learn how they are implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The guidance also addresses actions to be taken in the event that
significant implementation problems are discovered. The program is intended to assess the effectiveness of anti-terrorism measures maintained by foreign ports that are served by vessels that also call on the United States, foreign ports to which U.S vessels visit, and foreign ports which are determined to be a security risk to international maritime
commerce. NVIC 02-05

GAO - Lessons from Seaport Exercises
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a Report on the process for reporting lessons learned from seaport exercises. It found difficulties in sharing information; inadequate coordination of resources; difficulties in command and control; and lack of knowledge about who has decision-making authority. GAO-05-170 (2/16/05).

Port Security Grant Funding Process Criticized
The DHS Office of Inspector General released a Report reviewing the port security grant program. Problems were identified in handling of competing priorities and documenting applications so as to ensure that higher risk projects received appropriate funding. OIG 05-10 (2/16/05).

USCG Unveils Underwater Port Security System
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release stating that it is deploying an underwater port security system. The system is intended to protect port infrastructure and strategically important vessels from underwater threats. (2/1/05).

CRS- Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a Report on the threat of and potential responses to terrorist nuclear attacks on seaports. The report notes that a terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each poses difficulties. The ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, and other tools to thwart an attack. Issues for Congress include safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effects of an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. RS21293 (1/24/05).

Submission of Security-related Information Prior to Entry into Port
The IMO issued a Circular providing guidance to masters, companies, and duly authorized officers on requirements relating to submission of security-related information prior to entry of a ship into port. This effort is intended to prevent the proliferation of different demands for security-related information, which are neither conducive to the enhancement of maritime security nor promote the facilitation of maritime traffic. It is uncertain whether the U.S. government will adopt this guidance, given agencies have been unable to agree among themselves on a common set of reporting data. MSC Circ. 1130 .

Department of Homeland Security's Outgoing Inspector General's Full Report
The Department of Homeland Security's outgoing Inspector General has scored what he called the poor coordination between DHS' port security grant program and the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate, a problem which, the IG said, "resulted in funding of projects with low scores in the review process....DHS grant making for this sector of national infrastructure was not well coordinated with the IAIP Office of Infrastructure Protection, (and) did not account for infrastructure protection priorities in the application review process," DHS/IG Clark Kent Ervin reported.

Border and Transportation Security - Overview of Congressional Issues
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released its Report for Congress on Border and Transportation Security: Overview of Congressional Issues. Among the issues identified in the report that CRS recommends Congress examine further are cargo security; the national transportation security plan; and the automatic identification system (AIS). RL32705 (12/17/04)

DHS Office of Inspector General
Gaps in Port Security and Screening (10/14/04)

GAO Report on Port Security Assessment Program
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its report on the U.S. Coast Guard's port security assessment program. The report concludes that assessment of the nation's 55 most strategic ports is taking longer and is more complicated than anticipated. Maritime security at the various ports is being continually enhanced, so that assessments are becoming outdated. A geographic information system (GIS) component was added after the program had commenced and is not yet fully integrated. GAO-04-1062 (9/30/04).

Securing the Port of New York and New Jersey
Network-centric operations applied to the campaign against terrorism. This major report, compiled by a team of experts at Stevens Institute of Technology, studied the issues of crisis management and communications that led to confusion, conflicting signals and systems failure during the terrorist incidences of September 11th. In the course of the study, the team consulted with nearly every major government agency and a number of key private organizations relevant to the execution of homeland security strategy in the New York-New Jersey region. The research was funded by a major private foundation and is based in part on two high-level Stevens' workshops that assembled roughly 60 specialists from business, government and academia between September 2003 and June 2004. (9/1/04)

Hearing on Maritime Security
The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on the 9/11 Commission Report and Maritime Transportation Security. John Lehman and Jamie Gorelick represented the 9/11 Commission. They conceded that the Commission devoted little of its time to maritime security, but suggested that it is the job of Congress to ensure that allocation of resources must be proportionate to the risk. Terrorists have been monitoring and have occasionally attacked the maritime sector. They pointed out that there is as yet no strategic plan or threat analysis for the major U.S. ports. Rear Admiral Larry Hereth, U.S. Coast Guard, testified that the agency plans to soon amend the ship reporting threshold to require notifications from ships of less than 300 gross tons. He declined to say how low the threshold might be lowered. He said improvements in container security will be forthcoming and that the national maritime transportation security plan should be issued by the end of the year. Dr. Stephen Flynn pointed out that, while Congress directed the Coast Guard to examine security in foreign ports, it has not appropriated any monies to accomplish this task. The Committee issued a Press Release following the hearing. (8/25/04).

Responding to a Terrorist Attack at Sea
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there has been increasing national attention focused on the security of U.S. seaports. Both Federal officials and industry leaders face serious questions about how best to prevent future terrorist incidents in and around these facilities. Equally important, however, are questions about U.S. capabilities to respond adequately to a terrorist incident should one occur. Ports and waterways are vital to the nation's economic well-being, and the closure of major harbors or waterways would have an enormous impact on commercial and military operations, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The U.S. Navy has increasingly helped the U.S. Coast Guard maintain maritime homeland security. But since 1994, the number of vessels available for marine salvage has been declining, and funding has steadily decreased. Marine Salvage Response Capabilities: Responding to Terrorist Attacks in U.S. Ports, a new report from the National Academies' Transportation Research Board/Marine Board, considers whether U.S. marine salvage capabilities are adequate to respond to terrorist attacks and suggests ways to remedy deficiencies.

U.S. Port Security Improvements
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a Fact Sheet entitled Secure Seas, Open Ports. The document summarizes the various programs involved in hardening U.S. port infrastructure, verifying the security of vessels before they approach U.S. ports, and better restricting access to the port area.

Patterns of Global Terrorism 2003
The U.S. Department of State released the revised version of Patterns of Global Terrorism 2003. This publication states that there were 208 acts of international terrorism during 2003, including at least one act of maritime terrorism. On 2 April 2003, in Dravao, the Philippines, a bomb exploded on a crowded passenger wharf. There were 16 killed and 55 wounded. The attack is believed to have been carried out by Indonesian members of the Jemaah Islamiyah, a regional terrorist group with links to al-Qaida. (6/22/04).

Maritime Security FAQ
The IMO issued a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding maritime security. Among the FAQ is one asking how to determine whether a port facility is compliant with the ISPS Code. The answer given is that the ISPS Code Database includes a list of "ports including whether they have an approved port facility security plan (PFSP)." Note: I must point out that only a distinct minority of member governments so far have submitted reports to IMO, so the database is incomplete. It is also updated only periodically. I strongly recommend that interested persons check directly with the particular port facility and consider asking the port facility to provide a copy of the PFSP approval letter. (6/23/04).

Canada - Marine Transportation Security Regulations
Pursuant to the Marine Transportation Security Act of Canada, her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, has published the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. (6/08/04)

OECD - Container Transport Security
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) issued a report entitled Container Transport Security across Modes. The report notes that security on board ships and at port facilities has been enhanced, but that little has been done to improve security at inland locations where containers are loaded ("stuffed") and initially transported. Among other things, the report recommends that shippers establish clear protocols for loading and sealing containers. (5/27/04).

European Commission Proposal for Enhanced Port Security
The European Commission has developed a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament to enhance port security, to ensure a comprehensive security regime for the entire maritime logistics chain from the vessel to the shipper/port interface to the entire port to the port/hinterland interface. This directive complements the work of the International Maritime Organization and International Labour Organization (IMO-ILO)

USCG Port Security Initiatives Post 9/11/2001
The U.S. Coast Guard has released a summary of the Port Security Initiatives it has undertaken since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Canadian Departments to Collaborate on Marine Security
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Department of National Defence issued a News Release regarding an agreement to enhance their collaboration and information sharing in the areas of marine security and fisheries enforcement. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and the Automatic Identification System (AIS). (3/10/04)

Advance Cargo Manifest Presentation Requirement - Delay for Bulkers
The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a revised set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relating to the requirement for carriers bringing cargo by ship to the United States to present in advance an electronic copy of the manifest (3/3/04)

OCS Facility Security
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Notice clarifying which fixed and floating outer continental shelf (OCS) facilities are subject to regulation under that agency's maritime security program. The maritime security regulations apply to OCS facilities already regulated by the Coast Guard under 33 CFR subchapter N that meet operating conditions of § 106.105(a), (b), or (c). In addition, it includes those activities, functions, and processes that could render the OCS facility susceptible to a transportation security incident. 69 Fed. Reg. 7681 (February 19, 2004).

Container Seal Technologies and Processes
As part of its Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP), the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has completed an analysis of several commercially available electronic seals for shipping containers. The full two-part report is available on the MARAD website at:

UK Port Facility Security Plan -- Template
The UK Department for Transport posted on its Internet site a template for a Port Facility Security Plan. It is intended to aid ports and port facilities in preparation of security plans required by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. (1/6/04).

Guidance re U.S. Maritime Security
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a series of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) providing guidance on its maritime security program. These lengthy documents (which come in at least two parts) are must-reading for those impacted by the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and its implementing regulations. NVIC 03-03 Part 1 and NVIC 03-03 Part 2 provide implementation guidance for facilities. It details the security plan review process for port facilities. NVIC 04-03 Part 1 and NVIC 04-03 Part 2 provide implementation guidance for domestic vessels and for foreign vessels not subject to SOLAS that call in U.S. ports. It also discusses issuance of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) to qualifying U.S. vessels. NVIC 05-03 Part 1 and NVIC 05-03 Part 2 provide implementation guidance for outer continental shelf (OCS) facilities. NVIC 9-02 Change 1 Part 1 and NVIC 9-02 Change 1 Part 2 provide revised guidance for development of area maritime security committees and area maritime security plans. A NVIC addressing port state control targeting boarding policy should be issued shortly. (12/18/03).

Maritime Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made available the TSA Maritime Self-Assessment Risk Module (TMSARM). The TMSARM is intended to provide owners and operators of vessels and facilities subject to the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) with a no-cost, web-based, flexible vulnerability assessment tool to be used in preparation of vessel and facility security plans. 68 Fed. Reg. 68096 (December 5, 2003).

Steps to Enhance Maritime Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a Press Release announcing approval and publication of the final maritime industry security rules, which are designed to significantly improve protection of America's ports, waterways, and ships from a terrorist attack. The new rules, issued on October 22 by the U.S. Coast Guard, are further explained in the accompanying Fact Sheet. (10/23/03).

UK National Maritime Security Programme
The UK Department for Transport issued the National Maritime Security Programme (NMSP). The document discusses the various maritime security initiatives of the IMO, the ILO, the European Union, and the UK and explains their interconnections. The document also discusses the Port Facility Security officer training that is required for all persons appointed as Port Facility Security Officers in the UK. (9/19/03).

Port Security Assessment Best Practices Examples
The U.S. Coast Guard released Port Security Assessment Best Practices Examples for consideration and possible use by the maritime industry. Generic examples addressed in the document include LNG vessels and facilities, industrial parks, bridges, pilots, and small passenger vessels. (9/16/03).

Seacurity
RAND Europe issued a report entitled Seacurity. The subtitle is "Improving the Security of the Global Sea-Container Shipping System". With 90% of international cargoes moved in containers and current inspection rates of only 2%, there is a need for an integrated assessment of global threats. All technical and non-technical factors and their interdependencies may potentially act as weak spots. Implementation strategies should be tested for feasibility. Improvements should include container integrity, load verification, and container tracking and tracing. (9/9/03).

GAO report - Transportation security challenges
The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report entitled "Transportation Security - Federal Action Needed to Help Address Security Challenges." The report finds uncertainty as to roles of various federal agencies with regard to transportation security, particularly with regard to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department f Transportation (DOT). It recommends that TSA and DOT enter into a memorandum of agreement clarifying and delineating their respective roles and responsibilities in transportation security matters. The report notes that the Coast Guard has been designated the lead agency within the Department of Homeland Security for maritime security and that TSA will likely play a coordination role in the maritime arena. GAO-03-843 (June 2003).

Security in Maritime Transport: Risk Factors and Economic Impacts
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued a report entitled - Security in Maritime Transport: Risk Factors and Economic Impacts. The report estimates that it will cost ship owners and operators approximately $1.3 billion to initially implement the international maritime security requirements and an additional $730 million to keep those measures in place. Expenditures by port facilities are more difficult to estimate. The costs to the economy, though, if a terrorist incident does occur in a major U.S. port are estimated to be approximately $58 billion. (7/21/03).

USCG Maritime Security
The U.S. Coast Guard has promulgated its interim maritime security regulations. This package of regulations covers:
(1) General provisions
(2) Area maritime security
(3) Vessel security measures
(4) Facility security
(5) Outer continental shelf facility security
(6) Vessel carriage requirements for the automatic identification system (AIS)
(7) Expansion of AIS carriage requirements for U.S. waters
Comments on these interim rules should be submitted by July 31, 2003. A public meeting will be held in Washington, DC on July 23, 2003 to receive oral comments on the rules. The regulations relating to vessel security matters, in particular, may not be the last word on this issue. (7/1/03).

Protecting America's Ports
The Department of Homeland Security issued a document entitled "Protecting Americas Ports". The document summarizes and updates various federal measures to improve maritime security for the United States. (6/12/03).

California Marine Terminal Physical Security Regulations
The California State Lands Commission (SLC) issued a Press Release stating that its Marine Terminal Physical Security Regulations have been filed with the California Secretary of State and came into effect on February 24, 2003. These permanent regulations supersede emergency regulations issued earlier. (3/11/03).

USCG Maritime Strategy for Homeland Security
The U.S. Coast Guard released a document entitled "Maritime Strategy for Homeland Security." The document states, among other things, that the Coast Guard's strategic objectives for homeland security are: (1) prevent terrorist attacks within and terrorist exploitation of the U.S. maritime domain; (2) reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism within the U.S. maritime domain; (3) protect U.S. population centers, critical infrastructure, maritime borders, ports, coastal approaches, and the boundaries and seams between them; (4) protect the U.S. marine transportation system while preserving the freedom of the U.S. maritime domain for legitimate pursuits; and (5) minimize the damage and recover from attacks that may occur within the U.S. maritime domain as either the lead agency or a supporting agency. (2/25/03)

Canada to Launch Maritime Security Initiatives
Transport Canada issued a Press Release stating that the Government of Canada is launching a five-year package of initiatives of up to C$172.5 million to enhance its maritime security. The initiatives include increased surveillance and tracking of marine traffic, screening of passengers and crew, and new detection equipment to screen containers. (1/22/03)

Recommended Security Guidelines for Facilities
On January 13, 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued Navigation and Vessel Circular No. 11-02 (NVIC 11-02), "Recommended Security Guidelines for Facilities." Visit the Coast Guard's Navigation & Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICS) page for copies of this and other Coast Guard NVICs dealing with marine safety, security, and environmental protection.

Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002
The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has released the official version of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Pub.L. 107-295), which was signed into law on November 25, 2002. (1/6/03)

General Accounting Office Reports
Combating Terrorism: Actions Needed to Improve Force Protection for DOD Deployments through Domestic Seaports
Container Security: Current Efforts to Detect Nuclear Materials, New Initiatives, and Challenges

IMO Adopts Comprehensive Maritime Security Measures
The IMO issued a Press Release summarizing the recent Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. The Conference was held in London on 9-13 December 2002. The Conference approved the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which will be incorporated as a new Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention. The ISPS Code will require company, ship, and port facility security plans, to be approved by the flag administration. The timetable for installation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) will be advanced. Ship identification numbers must be permanently marked in a visible place on the hull or superstructure. Ships will be issued a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR), intended to provide an on-board record of the history of the ship, containing such information as all names used by the ship, nations with which it has been registered, identification numbers, and registered owners. (12/17/02)

Security Guidelines for Vessels
The U.S. Coast Guard issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 10-02 entitled Security Guidelines for Vessels. The NVIC was developed to assist vessel operators and owners to align security arrangements to requirements being developed at IMO and reflect good security practices for vessels. All vessel operators and owners are encouraged by the Coast Guard to adopt practices and procedures consistent with these guidelines. The guidelines provide for appointing company and ship security officers, performing security assessments, establishing protective measures, preparing vessel security plans, and coordinating security arrangements with waterfront facilities through a joint Declaration of Security.

New Cargo Container Regulations
U.S. Customs announced on October 30, 2002 the publication of final Customs regulations requiring sea carriers to provide cargo manifests 24 hours prior to the loading of cargo at foreign ports for shipment to the United States. This information is required in advance to enable U.S. Customs to evaluate the terrorist risk of cargo containers.

USCG Issues Port Security Guidelines
The U.S. Coast Guard issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 9-02 entitled Guidelines for Port Security Committees and Port Security Plans Required for U.S. Ports. Building on its Maritime Homeland Security Mission, the Coast Guard Headquarters has advised its field units on how to structure the Port Security Committees and how to develop Port Security Plans. By February 28, 2003, each Captain of the Port (COTP) is to conduct a preliminary port level security assessment in conjunction with the Port Security Committee. The assessment will provide the basis for finalizing the Port Security Plan.

Facilitating Trade and Securing Seaports
As part of a field hearing conducted in Tampa by the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations of the House Committee on Government Reform, the General Accounting Office (GAO) submitted testimony entitled Port Security: Nation Faces formidable Challenges in Making New Initiatives Successful. The testimony addresses vulnerabilities of commercial seaports, initiatives undertaken by federal agencies and other stakeholders to enhance seaport security, and challenges faced in implementing security-enhancing initiatives. The testimony notes that the Coast Guard, in particular, has acted as the focal point for assessing and addressing security concerns, anticipating many of the measures that Congress and the administration are contemplating. Experience indicates that full implementation of seaport security measures will be more difficult and more expensive than many anticipate. Cooperation, coordination, and cost allocation will present significant challenges.

Norman Mineta on Maritime Security
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta delivered a speech to the U.S. Conference of Mayors in which he discussed homeland security in general and maritime security in particular. He noted that maritime commerce is the most dominant component of the U.S. international trade infrastructure. He discussed the numerous security zones established by the Coast Guard, the Sea Marshal program, the 96-hour notice of arrival requirement, and efforts to enhance container security.

U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to increase its emphasis on its reinvigorated port security mission and its mission regarding homeland security. The Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection has established a Port Security Directorate to focus efforts in this regard. The Coast Guard has also established a new website for
Homeland Security (above), consolidating in one place various documents related thereto.

Status of Individual U.S. Ports
A listing of the port security situation at major U.S. ports (POISE - Port Operations Information for Safety and Efficiency) may be accessed via the U.S. Coast Guard Website. While the information is the latest available, situations may change. Updates are available from local Captains of the Port (COTPs).

Seaport Security: Training, Equipment, and Research Needs
Lennie Cross, International Security Systems
A presentation on seaport security given at the 26th Annual Summer Ports, Waterways, Freight & International Trade Conference in Galveston, Texas, June 24-27, 2001.

Report of the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports
This report of the Seaport Crime and Security Commission, describing the security vulnerabilities in U.S. port security and control measures for contraband entering the U.S. via maritime commerce, can be found under the "Current News" section of this website.

Maritime Security Council
www.maritimesecurity.org
Representing ocean cargo carriers, cruise lines, ports, and related industries, the Maritime Security Council (MSC) works to prevent illegal drug trafficking, stowaway, theft, privacy, terrorism, and hijacking. Adviser to Interpol, MSC works closely with the Overseas Security Advisory Council and recently became the U.S. State Department's technical advisor on maritime security and counterterrorism.

American Society for Industrial Security
www.asisonline.org
ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security practices by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security concerns as well as specific security topics. The ASIS website includes publications relating to physical security, terrorism, global security, and emergency planning.