The Current Situation

Since September 11, 2001, governments around the world have placed a greater emphasis on securing their borders. An area of major concern is the vulnerability of ports to terrorist acts. On November 25, 2002, the United States government signed The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). This act is designed to protect the nation’s ports and waterways from a terrorist attack. It is the U.S. equivalent of the International Ship and Port

Facility Security Code (ISPS), and was fully implemented on July 1, 2004. It requires vessels and port facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans that may include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment.

For more information on the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code, you can go to the International Marine Organization (IMO) website:

http://www.imo.org/home.asp

For best practices by several countries, including Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan, go to the following US Coast Guard site and click on the appropriate country:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/xfaqs.html

Maritime Transportation Security Act – International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (MTSA-ISPS):

MTSA Regulations - 33CFR

Part 101 Maritime Security--General

Part 103-Maritime Security: Area Maritime Security

Part 104-Maritime Security: Vessels

Part 105-Maritime Security: Facilities

Part 106-Maritime Security: Outer Continental Shelf Activities

MTSA-ISPS Related Information

33 CFR Parts 26, 161, 164, & 165-Automatic Identification System

49 CFR Part 1520-Sensitive Security Information

46 USC 2101, MTSA 2002, 33 CFR Subchapter H-- International Port Security Program

* took effect on July 1, 2004.

The USGC also sets the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level. The level is set to reflect the prevailing threat environment to the marine elements of the national transportation system, including ports, vessels, facilities, and critical assets and infrastructure located on or adjacent to waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. MARSEC Levels align with the five color-coded HSAS Threat Conditions:

For further information on MARSEC levels, go to:

http://www.uscg.mil/d17/msojuneau/facsec/facility_security_requirements.htm

PHA and HAZOP Studies
There are more hazards to port facilities than security. The transportation, handling and storage of hazardous goods and liquefied natural gas (LNG) should have HAZOP and PHA studies carried out.

JSA Studies:
Unloading cargo, operating machinery such as cranes and forklifts, moving hazardous substances, working on ship’s machinery, exposure to fuels, exposure to exotic diseases.

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