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"Protecting seaports and port facilities against the threat of terrorism is imperative. The terrorist attacks have resulted in a renewed focus on the security of our transportation systems and we at DOT are aggressively meeting these challenges on several fronts."

 

Norman Y. Mineta

Secretary of Transportation

 

[Port Security Grants news release, June 17, 2002]

Port Security

 
Port photo.

Port security grants are just one of many steps the Department is taking to address potential vulnerabilities in our Nation’s ports and waterways.

The Maritime Administration is working to increase maritime industry standards including the security of U.S. ports and vested interests.  MARAD's efforts to protect our interests at home and abroad include port security grants, cargo container security efforts, credentialing measures, and training initiatives.

Port Security Grants

More than $92 million in port security grants has been awarded to enhance and safeguard America's maritime assets. Link below to read more information:

Latest News:Secretary Mineta Announces Second Round of Port Security Grants (Jan. 14, 2003)

Maritime Security Reports
  • Spanish Version - Informe Sobre Seguridad Maritima 2001
 PDF Word
  • Spanish Version - Informe Sobre Seguridad Maritima 2000
 PDF Word

Domestic Port Security Training

As part of safeguarding the maritime industry, the Maritime Administration is conducting security training at the Global Maritime and Transportation School (GMATS). Located at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, the school offers leading edge education and training programs that benefit professionals from the maritime and transportation industry including those from the private-sector, military, and government.

In 2002 GMATS trained 19 New York City Police Department personnel and 31 members of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement who attended the Marine Terminal and Seaport Security Course. The highly important security course focused on providing security personnel with the skills needed to perform in a complex marine environment, and in planning and executing marine terminal and seaport security operations. Assuredly, trained graduates of this course will add an additional check in America's port security efforts.

MARAD is also taking measures to ensure crews are trained in force protection. There are several training avenues available to merchant mariners at union training schools, and state and Federal maritime academies. Many of these courses are part of the continuing professional education programs designed to meet increased government training requirements. Courses include chemical, biological, and radiological defense; small arms weapon training; Anti-Terrorism Officer and Force protection Officer courses; and shipboard security tactics.

Foreign Port Security Training

Course photo.

 

MARAD is also working on the international front to safeguard our ports and our industry. MARAD chairs the Organization of American States (OAS) Technical Advisory Group on Port Security, an industry and government partnership.

Through this activity, MARAD developed an Inter-American Port Security Training Program in which nearly 500 port personnel have been trained in the Western Hemisphere. In 2002 MARAD conducted four training courses for our OAS trading partners. By improving the port security of our trading partners, we lessen the potential risks at home.

Mariner Shore Leave

MARAD works to meet the needs of the merchant mariner community by helping to facilitate mariner shore leave at ports and facilities. Under new port security rules promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security (68 Fed. Reg. 60483 at 60513, Section 104.200(b)(6) (as to vessels) and 68 Fed. Reg. 60515 at 60541,  Section 105.200(b)(7) (as to facilities))under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 (P.L. 107-295), Treaties of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation (FCNs) between the United States and other nations are to be used in coordinating mariner shore access. Facility and vessel owners and operators can find links to the texts of these treaties below, and should refer to them when arranging shore leave for mariners of signatory nations.

Port Security

Measures

To improve security MARAD is also working with industry and other Federal agencies to reduce risks by improving cargo container security, examining the feasibility and process for potentially conducting background checks and issuing an identification card for all transportation workers, and evaluating Mariner Administrative Smart Cards.

The Maritime Administration is also designing and conducting training programs in marine terminal, seaport security, and force protection to ensure that maritime-industry and law enforcement personnel are prepared.

Contact the Office of Congressional & Public Affairs (email pao.marad@marad.dot.gov) for information about the Agency and/or the maritime industry.