COAST GUARD COMMENCES ENFORCEMENT OF MTSA/ISPS SECURITY PROVISIONS

The continued security of U.S. maritime infrastructure is a major area of concern in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Indeed, the attacks underscored the need for increased security efforts including the evaluation, examination, and control of visiting vessels and port facilities with respect to security vulnerabilities and corrective security arrangements and procedures. Along with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other Homeland Security agencies and the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), the U.S. Coast Guard has worked diligently to develop comprehensive national and international vessel and facility security standards. This paper discusses these new standards which are designed to substantially strengthen the security of American ports and waterways while continuing to maintain the free flow of commerce.