Coast Guard Preparing for July 1 Maritime Security Deadline

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime industry are rapidly preparing for a July 1 deadline that will see vast changes to the security climate in ports, port facilities and vessels around the world.

A new international code and U.S. law requires vessels and facilities to implement security measures designed to protect the world’s global shipping industry from terrorist attacks. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) require ports and vessels to control access, monitor activity, and screen personnel, baggage, cargo, and vehicles.

“Securing our ports and waterways is a team effort,” said 5th Coast Guard District Commander Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara. “Everyone, from maritime industry to local governments and private citizens to the international community play an important role in ensuring that our waterways remain safe, secure and open for business.”

Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads is taking part in a nationwide effort called Operation Port Shield to validate U.S. vessel and port facility compliance with MTSA and foreign vessel compliance with ISPS. All vessel and facility operators are required to operate under the safeguards of their approved or submitted security plans on July 1. Operators who fail to comply with the terms of their security plans face potential orders by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port to cease operations until they do comply with the requirements. Violators are also subject to civil penalties for non-compliance.

In the Hampton Roads Captain of the Port area of responsibility, about 150 U.S. vessels and 70 port facilities were required to submit security plans to the Coast Guard for review. Nationally, an estimated 9,500 vessels, 3,200 facilities, and 40 offshore oil or natural gas rigs are directly affected by MTSA.

“The July 1 deadline is a significant step forward in securing our ports and waterways,” said Capt. Robert O’Brien, commanding officer of Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads. “Although this does not mean our ports are impenetrable, they are far more secure as a result of these requirements and our other efforts.”

The Coast Guard urges every citizen to help keep our ports and waterways secure by being alert to unusual events or individuals. Simply note the details and report suspicious activity to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 or 877-24WATCH.

Coast Guard Preparing for July 1 Maritime Security Deadline

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime industry are rapidly preparing for a July 1 deadline that will see vast changes to the security climate in ports, port facilities and vessels around the world.

A new international code and U.S. law requires vessels and facilities to implement security measures designed to protect the world’s global shipping industry from terrorist attacks. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) require ports and vessels to control access, monitor activity, and screen personnel, baggage, cargo, and vehicles.

“Securing our ports and waterways is a team effort,” said 5th Coast Guard District Commander Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara. “Everyone, from maritime industry to local governments and private citizens to the international community play an important role in ensuring that our waterways remain safe, secure and open for business.”

Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads is taking part in a nationwide effort called Operation Port Shield to validate U.S. vessel and port facility compliance with MTSA and foreign vessel compliance with ISPS. All vessel and facility operators are required to operate under the safeguards of their approved or submitted security plans on July 1. Operators who fail to comply with the terms of their security plans face potential orders by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port to cease operations until they do comply with the requirements. Violators are also subject to civil penalties for non-compliance.

In the Hampton Roads Captain of the Port area of responsibility, about 150 U.S. vessels and 70 port facilities were required to submit security plans to the Coast Guard for review. Nationally, an estimated 9,500 vessels, 3,200 facilities, and 40 offshore oil or natural gas rigs are directly affected by MTSA.

“The July 1 deadline is a significant step forward in securing our ports and waterways,” said Capt. Robert O’Brien, commanding officer of Marine Safety Office Hampton Roads. “Although this does not mean our ports are impenetrable, they are far more secure as a result of these requirements and our other efforts.”

The Coast Guard urges every citizen to help keep our ports and waterways secure by being alert to unusual events or individuals. Simply note the details and report suspicious activity to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 or 877-24WATCH.