Page 12: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 2001)

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Circle 220 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com history record checks with respect to security-sensitive personnel to ensure that these personnel do not pose a threat to the security of maritime com- merce. Another provision strengthens existing pre-arrival notification and vessel information requirements for ships bound for U.S. ports, allowing the

Coast Guard to deny entry to vessels failing to provide electronic notifica- tions and prescribed shipboard infor- mation in a timely manner. The bill also provides specific authority to the

Customs Service to require detailed electronic information from shippers, marine terminal operators, and vessels for the purpose of tracking cargo, pas- sengers, and crewmembers.

One of the main frustrations for those seeking to protect U.S. ports is the lack of information on cargo arriving from other countries in sealed containers.

The Hollings bill addresses this by urg- ing the U.S. Government to push inter- national organizations like the Interna- tional Maritime Organization to adopt international port security standards and a system of private sector accredi- tation of international ports that comply with these standards. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of Transporta- tion to establish a program to assist for- eign port operators in the identification of port security risks, the conduct of vulnerability assessments, and imple- mentation of security standards. And the bill requires the Secretary to work with the Attorney General and Secre- tary of Defense to identify the foreign ports whose inadequate security or port security vulnerability poses a strategic threat to U.S. defense interests or may contribute to criminal activity in the

United States.

Conclusion

If the Senate passes S. 1214, as now expected, it will signify the completion of one major phase in the development of port and maritime security legisla- tion. The next phase for this legislation will be in the House of Representatives and probably will commence with the

Transportation and Infrastructure Com- mittee, which has jurisdiction over the

Coast Guard and maritime transporta- tion. The staff of that committee has been discussing a bill focused on the specific needs of the Coast Guard. That bill may be introduced before the end of this year, but most likely will surface early in 2001.

Dyer Ellis & Joseph, P.C. is a Washing- ton, DC-based law firm with a domes- tic and international practice involving transportation, shipping, finance, cor- porate, securities, legislative, environ- mental, and trade matters.

We Build a Better Tomorrow / HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. • - mwiMmi&r

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