Timeframe for Implementing Port Security Measures

The Coast Guard began a comprehensive assessment of port security conditions in 55 U.S. ports. A detailed vulnerability assessments of port security at these locations will be conducted over the next 3 years. The first four assessments began in mid-August 2002.

On June 4, 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the "Maritime Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act Of 2002".

All vessels built after December 31, 2002, must be equipped with a position indicating transponder and an appropriate situation display for accessing the information made available by the transponder system. After December 31, 2004, all vessels built before December 31, 2002, must carry this equipment.

The Coast Guard published a temporary interim rule in June 2002, and will publish a final rule by November 2003.

On November 25, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002, Public Law 107-295, which contains several provisions intended to protect America's maritime community against the threat of terrorism without adversely affecting the flow of U.S. commerce through our ports.

On December 13, 2002, IMO issued the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Code contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities, and shipping companies in a mandatory section (Part A), together with a series of guidelines about how to meet these requirements in a second, non-mandatory section (Part B).

On July 22, 2003, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted an oversight hearing on the Coast Guard's July 1, 2003 interim final regulations on port security.

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.