Port Security Implementation

PORT SECURITY IMPLEMENTATION

ESTABLISHMENT OF PORT SECURITY ZONES
ESTABLISHMENT OF NAVAL VESSEL PROTECTION ZONES
PORT SECURITY THROUGH NOTICE OF ARRIVAL
FURTHER PORT SECURITY ACTIONS

One of the first steps that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) implemented was redeploying several vessels from offshore law enforcement patrols to port security at several major ports.The USCG then established new guidelines for developing port security plans and implementing port security measures for passenger vessels and passenger terminals. These included:

Access controls to passenger terminals,
Security zones around passenger ships.
Port Security Zones around moored cruise ships and other high-interest vessels, such as naval vessels and tank ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas.
The boarding or escorting of certain vessels to ensure their safe entry into ports.
Waterside Port Security Zones adjacent to large airports located near the water.

Three levels of preparedness have been developed as part of the Port Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities:

Level I: The degree of port security precaution to take when the threat of an unlawful act against a vessel or terminal - though possible - is not likely
Level II: The degree of port security precaution to take when the threat of an unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is possible and intelligence indicates that terrorists are likely to be active within a specific area or against a type of vessel or terminal.
Level III: The degree of port security precaution to take when the threat of an unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is probable or imminent and intelligence indicates that terrorists have chosen specific targets.

The guidelines also prompt port officials to implement specific security measures, including:

Identification Port Security Procedures
Officials should document acceptable identification from people doing business at the port and document procedures for conducting background checks.
Internal Port Security
Officials should outline the procedures for controlling vehicle/rail equipment and the guidelines for issuing personnel identification cards.
Perimeter Port Security
Officials should identify restricted areas; assess their security (including checking specifications for perimeter fencing); and identify the measures that prevent unauthorized access to the port.
Port Security Lighting
Officials should follow the lighting requirements described in the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Port Security alarms, video surveillance and communication systems
Officials should identify the use and control of those devices, especially in restricted areas. They should recommend appropriate response times relative to various alarm system indicators.
Training and Port Security Awareness
Officials should document methods for personnel training and performance review.
A Port Security Plan
Officials should document the port's measure of awareness, prevention capability, magnitude of response and consequence management guidance.

Source = Security Guidelines for Waterfront Facilities

ESTABLISHMENT OF PORT SECURITY ZONES

The U.S. Coast Guard has established port security zones in all U.S. ports. The Coast Guard will screen all arriving commercial vessels. Port security measures will be imposed on an 'as needed' basis. Vessels must include crew and passenger lists, with nationalities for each person, with their Advance Notices of Arrival. Persons and vessels may not enter a security zone without permission of the U.S. Coast Guard.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NAVAL VESSEL PROTECTION ZONES

The U.S. Coast Guard has established protection zones for a distance of 500 yards around all U.S. naval vessels in navigable waters of the United States. Vessels are to proceed at a no-wake speed when within a protection zone. Non-military vessels are not allowed to enter within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel, whether underway or moored, unless authorized by an official patrol. The patrol may be either USCG or USN.

In addition, each USCG Captain of the Port may employ any port security measures that he deems necessary to ensure the safety and security of the port. For example, the Coast Guard has required several facilities handling dangerous cargo to provide additional port security personnel and other security improvements. Facilities not addressing Coast Guard port security concerns may have their operations suspended or be subjected to civil penalties.

PORT SECURITY THROUGH NOTICE OF ARRIVAL

Another policy change that will help increase port security without interfering too much with the flow of traffic has been an increase in time for a Notice of Arrival. The Coast Guard has issued a temporary final rule changing the 24-hour Notice of Arrival requirement for ships entering U.S. ports to 96 hours before arrival at the first U.S. port. New special rules apply for all vessels carrying dangerous cargoes and additional information is also required in the Advance Notice of Arrival. The notice must now include a listing of all persons on board, crew and passengers, with date of birth, nationality, along with the appropriate passport or mariner's document number. The Notice must also include the vessel name, country of registry, call sign, official number, the registered owner of the vessel, the operator, the name of the classification society, a general description of the cargo, and date of departure from the last port along with that port's name.

FURTHER PORT SECURITY ACTIONS

Now that Port Security Zones and Naval Protection Zones have been established, the appropriate government agencies must decide how to demarcate these areas. It must also be decided if and what port security protection these areas should have.

MARITIME PORT SECURITY

A few closing thoughts from the maritime port security specialists at WhisprWave®.

If you are interested in developing a physical maritime port security plan for a military base, a nuclear reactor, a fuel depot or other high value asset that is vulnerable to attack from maritime based terrorists, give WhisprWave® a call and let's talk about how we can help mitigate your maritime risks that are keeping you up at night.

You can contact WhisprWave®:

Telephone: 908.273.3358

E-Mail: info@whisprwave.com

The team at WhisprWave® is confident that we can help solve your marine security problems, don't hesitate - CALL TODAY. WhisprWave® has the right port security technology solution for you.

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