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Security Levels
International
Port Security Program
The Basics
The events of 9/11 focused the global maritime transport sector on the
higher risk of terrorism that now threatens the entire international trading
community.
In an effort to codify and standardize a comprehensive approach to
effective, consistent international maritime security, the U.S. Coast Guard,
in its traditional role as the lead Federal agency for maritime
transportation security in the United States, worked closely with the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and member states to develop the
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The ISPS Code is
the only internationally accepted blueprint for the implementation of
security measures for maritime infrastructure.
The Coast Guard’s International Port Security (IPS) Program serves to
reinforce implementation by combining multi-national best practices with
international requirements to ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach
to maritime security in the countries (and at their ports) that trade with
us.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is the objective of the
International Port Security
Program?
The program
objective is to engage in bilateral or multilateral discussions with trading
nations around the world to exchange information and share best practices to
align port security programs through implementation of the ISPS Code and
other international maritime security standards.
What is your general approach?
The Coast Guard’s approach for the International
Port Security Program includes:
-
The concept of information exchange and collaboration with trading nations regarding implementation of established international maritime security standards.
-
The assignment of International Port Security Program Liaison Officers in three regions (Asia-Pacific, Europe/Africa/Middle East, and Central/South America) for world-wide coverage in order to assist other nations and facilitate the bilateral exchanges.
-
The establishment of a Port Security Specialist Team based in Washington, DC, to conduct country/port visits to review and discuss security measures implemented and share “best practices”.
Why is this important?
Implementation of security standards is generally
new to the maritime community and has not
traditionally been part of its culture. It is
important that we seek to align our understanding
of the best, most practical, and cost effective
means to reach our goals of a secure worldwide
maritime transportation system.
What countries will you visit?
We plan to offer visits to all countries with any of
the last five ports of departure for vessels destined
to the U.S. We developed a methodology to
prioritize visits based on a variety of factors
including number of vessels, amount of cargo,
country’s history with other international
instruments, and other information. We will work
bilaterally or multilaterally with countries to
schedule visits.
Is training available?
The U.S. Coast Guard will work with countries to
identify protective measures to help facilitate their
compliance with the ISPS Code. In addition, the
Coast Guard’s International Training Division may
be able to provide a variety of port safety and
security related training. In partnership with the
Department of Transportation’s Maritime
Administration, the Coast Guard is establishing a
Port Security Training Program that will incorporate
the Inter-American Port Security Training Program
(IAPSTP) currently being offered to the Organization
of American State member nations.
If a ship arrives in the United
States from a port or a country
that does not comply with the IMO
standards, what actions will the
U.S. undertake?
There are a variety of potential actions. The vessel
may be subject to a boarding offshore before being
allowed in the United States. Additional restrictions
may be imposed
regarding the transit
of the vessel. The
vessel may be able to
ameliorate some
of the actions by
going to a higher
security level
while in a less
secure port.
Will the
U.S. host visits from other countries?
The Coast Guard invites officials from U.S. trade partner nations for
reciprocal visits to the U.S. and select ports to assess the U.S. Coast
Guard’s ISPS Code implementation procedures. During the visit,
delegates will have opportunities to visit with Coast Guard Port Security
Directorate staff and discuss regulatory and policy development processes,
evaluation of security assessment and plan review and approval processes,
and visit field units to observe implementation of the Port State Control
regime. Requests for these visits should be made through the country’s
embassy. Most visits will be coordinated through the regional USCG
Port Security Liaison Officers.
Legislative Basis
Sections 70108-70110 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of
2002 directs the Secretary (Department of Homeland Security) to assess the
antiterrorism measures maintained by foreign ports which are served by
vessels that also call on the U.S. or which are determined to be a security
risk to international maritime commerce.
For more information concerning the MTSA or ISPS implementation, you may
visit the Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Helpdesk:
Phone: 877.687.2243 (toll free) or 202.366.9991
Website:
www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml
Email:
securityinfoexchange@comdt.uscg.mil
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