Marine Log - December 2007 - (Page 14)

Update Forum highlights port security issues his past September, MARINE LOG hosted The Maritime Security Forum: Port Security, the second in a series of round table events sponsored by maritime security specialists, Securewest International. The forum brought together representatives from key maritime industry and political sectors to provide a platform for valuable information sharing. The speakers at the event included: RADM Paul Pluta, USCG (Ret), the U.S. liaison for BIMCO; Jeff Milstein, Operations Manager (Moran Shipping Agencies); Steve Caldwell, Director of Maritime Security Issues, Homeland Security and Justice Team, U.S. (GAO); and CAPT Mark O’Malley, Chief, Office of Port & Facility Activities, U.S. Coast Guard. At the forum, Pluta stated that in his view the ISPS code was “generally” working and achieving many of its objectives. Still, the threat to shipping remains very real, made worse by some complacency both from shipping companies and ports. One of the advantages of the code, said Pluta, is the creation of the interface and partnership of ship and port authorities, the provision of access control, and the reduction in the number of stowaways as a result. He stressed that good security is good business, but that BIMCO is opposed to extreme measures such as the deployment of lethal force and weapons to commercial shipping. Port State Compliance (PSC) was identified as an ‘issue’ for the port security sector, with some port states not living up to their responsibilities as regards compliance. The current treatment of seafarers is not seen by BIMCO as being adequate and that a solution to the problem of port security would only be helped by a change in attitude towards such treatment. This raised comments from the floor where there was general agreement. Many present confirmed that it was often the case with U.S. seafarers unable to get off ships in the U.S., at the end of their tour, even though they were literally miles from their home towns. This causes a lot of angst and frustration. Milstein highlighted the inconsistency in the standards of security in ports. For example, he said that there is too much concentration of “threat” effort towards containers. He pointed out that the threat can be delivered by any means, not just in containers. He also emphasized the need for improved protection of access to port and ship. Caldwell offered some insight on Caribbean Port Security. He pointed out that LNG terminals and container areas are still vulnerable and the existence of a radical Islamic faction in the region. There is also a well established drug chain operating in the Caribbean. In terms of what is being done, Caldwell said ISPS was helping, but that a lack of full compliance was again a big issue as regards progress. Host governments, he said, need to build up capacity to improve security, which could be achieved by building up security partnerships between themselves. The final speaker, CAPT Mark O’Malley talked briefly about the U.S. Coast Guard program of Port Assessments for 60 countries in two years, on the implementation of LRIT (Long Range Information and Tracking) in 2008 . O’Malley also mentioned the start of enrollment in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, which kicked off with the Port of Wilmington (Delaware) on Oct. 16. TWIC’s are tamper-resistant biometric credentials for workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, outer continental shelf facilities and all credentialed merchant mariners. 14 MARINE LOG DECEMBER 2007 www.marinelog.com T http://www.Jotun.com/us http://www.Jotun.com/us http://www.Jotun.com/us http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - December 2007

Marine Log - December 2007 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Warning: Shipbuilding Over-Supply by 2011 Steely Resolve: Cutting Injuries What’s on Your Mind? Newsmakers Tech News Contracts Events InfoDirect Website Directory ML Marketplace Last Word

Marine Log - December 2007

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