HOUSTON, July 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- All of the facilities of the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) are in compliance with the requirements of the new U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations that took effect today under the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Enacted in 2002, the MTSA fortified and extended the Coast Guard's jurisdiction and responsibilities for security planning and execution in and around U.S. waterways.
PHA's security management team members spent innumerable hours over six months to complete and submit its security plan by the USCG's mandatory December 31, 2003 deadline under the MTSA. "Our plans are designed to be comprehensive and continually tested, revised and updated," said Tom Kornegay, PHA's executive director.
"The Coast Guard is confident that the port authority's intense efforts will significantly strengthen security by measures to deter threats and provide a framework for response to a significant safety or security incident," said Captain Richard M. Kaser, USCG Commanding Officer of the Marine Safety Office Houston/Galveston and Captain of the Port.
The PHA's security plan is still being reviewed for certification by the USCG. The review and certification process is expected to be completed soon.
PHA takes direction on security measures from the USCG
The USCG has primary responsibility for waterway safety and has heightened its partnership presence by bringing in reservists to create an extensive port security force and operate patrols along the Houston Ship Channel on a 24 hour basis, allowing them to respond to anything observed that is out of the ordinary. Additionally, all operators of foreign-flagged vessels are now required to give advance notice of arrival and provide comprehensive details about their last ports of call, cargo, and crew members aboard the vessel. This information is used to determine which vessels should be boarded and inspected. Foreign vessels are also required to meet the ISPS code and some of the MTSA regulations. Random ride-along patrols aboard PHA fire boats also help ensure a high level of security.
USCG initiatives since September 11, 2001
* Vulnerability/risk assessments at ports with high-risk infrastructure and facilities over a three-year period. The first four began in August 2002 following initial work to develop methodology and identify standards and best practices (involves contract with TRW).
* Recall and repositioning of cutters at entrances to such ports as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Some continue to be involved in security-related activities.
* New guidelines for cruise passenger vessel and terminal security plans, including access controls, security zones, and armed escorts.
* Formation of Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSST) to combat terrorism at ports. Teams are being deployed at ports around the U.S. For more information see http://www.uscg.mil/news/homeland_security/homeland_security.htm.
* Clarification of existing regulations pertaining to maritime identification credentials that will soon be required for access to U.S. waterfront, port and harbor facilities, and vessels in them. The Coast Guard requires every person (including foreign seafarers) entering a U.S. port facility, or embarking on or disembarking from a vessel, to carry, at a minimum, a laminated (or otherwise secured against tampering) ID card that displays the holder's full name, current photograph and the name of the issuing authority or company. Until a standardized biometric ID credential is designed and adopted by the U.S. government and International Maritime Organization, the USCG expects all persons present at U.S. port facilities to comply with this ID credential requirement. Facilities that interact with these crew members assist in enforcement of this regulation.
Other agencies
In addition to the Coast Guard and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service, the FBI is the lead agency in any terrorist incident. Other federal agencies also play a role in seaport security/law enforcement.
The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com
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