DHS Discusses its Port Security Efforts
On March 23, 2004, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge addressed the issue of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) port security efforts at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Spring Conference. In addition, DHS has also issued a fact sheet regarding the Coast Guard's efforts to protect U.S. ports.
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The following are highlights of the port security efforts discussed in Secretary Ridge's remarks and the DHS' fact sheet:
DHS plans to expand CSI to up to 10 additional ports in FY 2004. One of the tools in DHS' layers of port security discussed by Secretary Ridge is the Container Security Initiative (CSI). DHS plans to expand CSI to up to 10 additional high-volume ports in fiscal year (FY) 2004.
According to DHS, future CSI port countries include Sri Lanka, Spain, Malaysia, and several other vital but potentially vulnerable regions. DHS further states that the U.S. looks forward to negotiating with Central and South American ports to bring them on board.
DHS is working with business to develop tamper-evident seals, etc. DHS further states that it is working with business to help develop and prototype solutions, such as tamper-evident container seals. DHS also notes that it has allocated more than $500 million in port security grants in order to help individual ports defray costs.
New Maritime Safety and Security Teams have been commissioned. DHS also notes that the Coast Guard has been enhancing port safety and security by commissioning new Maritime Safety and Security Teams in San Francisco, Houston, New York, and St. Mary's, GA (for a total of eight teams nationwide). These teams can conduct rapid, nationwide response and are capable of deployment via air, ground, or sea.
Coast Guard has received almost all port facility and vessel security plans. According to DHS, one of the highlights of the Coast Guard's port security efforts has been the implementation of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulations, including requirements for port facility and vessel security plans.
DHS states that the Coast Guard has received 92% of the required port facility plans. In addition, DHS states that more than 99% of the vessel security plans have been received and are currently under review by the Coast Guard.
U.S. is working with others on International Maritime Organization security standards. According to DHS, as the U.S. representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Coast Guard has been working with over 100 nations to create the first worldwide standard for maritime security by adding security amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention and the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS).
DHS fact sheet available at
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=43&content=3379&print=true
DHS Secretary's remarks (dated 03/23/04) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3382.