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Government Update Open Letter to the U.S. Coast Guard Regarding Maritime Security By Dennis L. Bryant, Senior Maritime Counsel, Holland & Knight On December 30. 2002. the U.S. Coast Guard published a Notice of meetings and a request for comments relating to maritime security (67 Fed. Reg. 79742). •^j^aaUrimAStab^^ Ship Operators & Naval Architect« 1. Users like It 2. It's truely GHS yet it costs lees. 3. It can do almost anythi™ but bre* coffee. GHS Local Monitor GHS FulPfeatured naval architect's system GHS Load Monitor (GLM) Onboard system GHS/Salvage Salvor's system BHS Engineer's system BHS/Yacht Yacht designer's system P.O. Box 1910 Port Townsend, WA 98368 USA phone: (360) 385-6212 fax: 385-6213 email: sales@ghsport.com www.ghsport.com/gla Making software that naval architects love since 1972 HEADHUNTER INTEGRATED MARINE SYSTEMS ROYAL FLUSH • Powerful Jet Macerator •1 1/2" Discharge Piping • 5 \fear Warranty •Weight And Space Saving Vacuum Alternative •Labor-Saving Installation TYPE II MSD • USCG/IMO Certified • No Harsh Chemicals •Custom Designs Available •Lightweight •Steel, Plastic, or Aluminum Construction tel 954-581 -6996 fax 954«587-0403 www.headhunterinc.com 4100 RAVENSW00D RD. FT.LAUDERDALE, FL 333 1 2 Circle 214 on Reader Service Card Circle 232 on Reader Service Card >,SO 9001 ^ CERTIFIED Let us take care of all your insulation blanket requirements We accept MasterCard, Visa and Amex WANT SUPERIOR QUALITY WANT SUPERIOR SERVICE CALL SUPERIOR ENERGIES INC. 1-800-BUY-SEH-1 P.O. Drawer 386. Groves TX 77619 Telephone: (409) 962-8549 Fax: (409) 962-4027 Website: www.insulationsei.com It's seoled. It's inexpensive. It's Sure-Seal Sure-Seal® is a unique line of inexpensive sealed connectors with a proven track record as a reliable solution in harsh environments. The connector has sealing elements molded into the rubberized body providing a low cost submersible seal resistant W to water, fuels and chemicals. Sure-Seal offers a wide range of circuit configura- tions and accessories to meet most of your sealed connector needs. Millions in stock - Call today! Ci inr Cr a i 888-308-7873 East OUKtOtAL 877-372-1031 West CONNECTIONS 0 ' ' J/ '"J' "VC31 www.suresealconnections.com Ask for our FREE guide 2180 Hornig Rd., Phila., PA 19116 • 215-673-6100 • Fax 215-552-8022 Circle 264 on Reader Service Card Circle 265 on Reader Service Card 18 Following are some thoughts on this important issue. I must commence by stating that I have the highest respect for the Coast Guard. The maritime and port security missions are vital to the U.S. and the world. There is no agency better qualified to lead this important program. Congress has assigned heavy responsibilities to the Coast Guard and, at the same time, required that the initial work be done in an impossibly short time. The Coast Guard is accustomed to working in real time and will accom- plish the mission in the shortest possi- ble period. While the U.S. Coast Guard will lead the maritime security effort, it is by no means the only player. Other federal agencies, such as the Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), have important roles to play. State and local agencies, including the numerous port authorities, are important members of the team. The private sector, though, is where maritime security will actually come into being. The active and willing participation of ship owners and opera- tors, masters and crew, and facility operators and employees will be the meat on the bones of statutes, regula- tions and guidelines. I applaud efforts by the Coast Guard to hold these public meetings to gather comments. The meetings will improve appreciation of the program on the part of the regulated community while enhancing the under- standing of the Coast Guard of the com- plex nature of the task it has been assigned. The eventual regulations will be vastly improved because of this effort. In its Notice, the Coast Guard asked for comments on a number of specific and fairly detailed questions. I will leave those comments to persons actual- ly operating ships and facilities impact- ed by the maritime security proposals, who are far better qualified to assist the Coast Guard with their implementation. Instead, I will limit my comments to over-arching issues and common themes that transcend detailed issues. Background The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was recently adopted at an international conference convened by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The ISPS Code directs flag administrations to require ship owners Maritime Reporter & Engineering News SCORCH IT! GUNK IT!
