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Port Security in the News - Things Better Since 9/11?

Remarking on the state of port security in the U.S. following 9/11, the Secretary of Homeland Security recently said that major advances in port security have been made, making special mention of TWIC's, security plans, increased CBP presence and port security grants.  Asserting that naysayers expressing concerns about port security show their "intellectual laziness,"  the Secretary took steps to assuage much of the criticisms in this area.

But what about the threat of small boats to America's strategic interests?  Maritimeterrorism raises some flags.

Coast Guard has New Regs for Vessels from Indonesia

The Coast Guard announced a new policy imposing security restrictions on vessels arriving from certain Indonesian ports deemed to have inadequate security measures in place.  These restrictions impose certain security measures to be used when the vessels visit U.S. ports.  The Indonesian ports listed below do have the requisite security measures in place:

PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya, Banjarmasin Port, PT Pertamina Unit Pemasaran III Jakarta,  Pertamina Unit,  Pengolahan V Balikpapan, Senipah, Terminal Total E&P Indonesia, Balikpapan, Caltex Oil Terminal Dumai, Pelindo II Conventional Terminal, Jakarta, Jakarta International Container Terminal, PT Pupuk Kaltim Bontang, PT Badak Bontang, PT Indominco Mandiri Bontang, Pertamina Unit Pengolahan II Dumai, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia, Cabang Dumai, Semarang International, Container Terminal, Belawan Multi-Purpose Terminal and PT Multimas Nabati Asahan.

If a vessel visited another Indonesian port within its last five port calls, it is required to have the enhanced security measures denoted in the rule.

Homeland Security Seeks $9.3B for Fiscal Year 2009

Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff provided testimony to the House of Representatives about the proposed budget for fiscal year 2009.  Questioning at the hearing seemed to focus on transition of administrations, surveillance programs and the port grant programs.

Relating to the Coast Guard, the budget request attempts to stanch the trend of worsening readiness of Coast Guard cutters, as reported here.  On reading of these problems, I'm reminded of the song from the group Split Enz, thought to be a political commentary on the Royal Navy's readiness issues during the Falkland War, entitled "Six Months in a Leaky Boat."

Uncle Sam Wants More Info on Cargo Shipments

Hat tip to International Trade Law news for its post on the proposed rule requiring information on cargo shipments.  Uncle Sam says:

An importer, or person causing goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the U.S. would be required under the proposed rule to submit an Importers Security Filing within 24 hours before cargo is laden abroad a vessel. The Importers Security Filing for cargo (other than foreign cargo remaining on board) must contain the following data elements:
1) Manufacturer name and address
2) Seller name and address
3) Container stuffing location
4) Consolidator name and address
5) Buyer name and address
6) Ship to name and address
7) Importer of record number
8) Consignee number
9) Country of origin of the goods
10) Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number (6 digits)

Coast Guard Commandant Speaks to Press Club

The U.S. Coast Guard Commandant spoke to the National Press Club last week.  This video is a pretty good snapshort of some issues facing the service today, including Deepwater procurement program, shortfall in marine inspectors and right-sizing (read: increasing) the size of the Coast Guard.  During the question/answer phase, he discusses Katrina, increased presence in Arctic and the transition to the Department of Homeland Security.

New Video on the State of Port Security - Another reason to lose sleep at night

Maritimeterrorism.com published a 20 minute video on the state of port security, particularly emphasizing the Newark Port Authority, here.

Great overview of security challenges vexing America's ports, noting TWIC implementation, physical security issues and other vulnerabilities.

Homeland Security Requires Better ID

Department of Homeland Security published its new guidelines governing identification required of American citizens returning from abroad.  Abandoning the oral declaration rule, the new rules require:

• U.S. or Canadian Passport
• U.S. Passport Card (Available spring 2008)*
• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)*
• State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available – this secure driver’s license will denote identity and citizenship)*
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)*
• U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
• U.S.Merchant Mariner Document
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Card

Management Challenges at Homeland Security? Inspector General Issues Report

The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General just issued a report on "Major Management Challenges".

Among the challenges facing the Department are disaster response, border security, transportation security, financial management, and acquisition management.  FEMA and Katrina get some attention.  The Coast Guard and Deepwater do too.

GAO Identifies Security Concerns for Foreign Ports

The GAO recently released its report on container security in foreign ports.  Lots of information and analysis here to digest, but troubling was its not-so-subtle comment, "We still see room for improvement."

Congress Holds Hearings on TWIC Implementation

Congress held hearings this week on TWIC implementation. 

The Statement of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair is here.  The Chair of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, here.  Coast Guard Admiral Salerno, here.  TWIC Program Manager for the Transportation Security Administration, here. TWIC implementation contractor's representative, here.  And Maryland's Secretary of Transportation, here.