DHS Announces Implementation of Port Security Measures in Advance of July 1, 2004 Deadline
On June 21, 2004, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the implementation of port security measures in advance of the July 1, 2004 deadline for the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these measures add additional security protections to every port in the U.S.
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U.S. Ports on Target to Meet July 1 Implementation for ISPS Code and MTSA
In addition to the international requirements of the ISPS Code, the U.S. has required vessels and port facilities around the country to take additional security measures by July 1, 2004 as part of MTSA. DHS states that ports around the country are now on target to meet the July 1, 2004 deadline to implement these additional security measures. These security measures include:
Security measures. Port facilities and vessels across the U.S. were required to submit a security assessment as well as a security plan to the Coast Guard. The submitted security assessments identified the aspects of each port facility and vessel that were deemed security vulnerabilities. The accompanying security plan outlined specific measures that would be taken by each port to address those vulnerabilities.
Their ongoing implementation. According to DHS, the Coast Guard is overseeing the ongoing implementation of these security measures across the country. DHS states that each plan is different and uniquely tailored to the individual port, facility, or vessel.
Additional efforts. DHS states that the Coast Guard will conduct assessments of U.S. ports to determine which vulnerabilities still exist and where. DHS adds that additional training and port security related exercises will also be part of ongoing port security efforts. The Coast Guard has also implemented a verification program to ensure that all ports and vessels maintain their security measures.
DHS' Layered Security Strategy
In giving an overview of its security strategy, DHS explains that it is taking a layered approach to create a system of different security measures that ensure there are protective measures in place from one end of a sea-based journey to the other. The layered security measures are designed to protect the three phases of the journey: overseas, in transit, and on U.S. shores. This layered approach consists of the following strategies:
Overseas:
| 24-Hour Advance Manifest |
| Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) |
| ISPS |
In Transit:
| Smart Box Initiative | Ship Security Alert System |
| Automated Targeting System | 96-Hour Advance Notice of Arrival |
On U.S. Shores:
| National Targeting Center |
| Security Boardings |
| Automatic Identification System |
| Security Committees |
| Port Security Grants |
| Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Screening |
| Operation Drydock |
| America's Waterway Watch |
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/21/04 news, 04042110, for BP summary of Coast Guard's preparations for the July 1, 2004 ISPS and MTSA deadline.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/21/04 news, 04062105, for BP summary of DHS' efforts to implement remaining MTSA container security requirements.)
DHS Press Release (dated 06/21/04) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3729
DHS Fact Sheet (dated 06/21/04) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interweb/assetlibrary/DHSPortSecurityFactSheet-062104.pdf