Port security deadline in doubt

Maritime industry experts believe that many developing countries’ ports may not be in compliance with new security requirements that take effect July 1, which could lead to problems for US vessels that visit those destinations. The new rules require that US ports, port facilities and vessels meet a number of security requirements, including having a security plan, sufficient training for personnel and procedures to respond to security threats. "The bottom line: A ship will not operate in US waters after July 1 without a valid security plan, ship controls and a security plan that complies with the (International Ship and Port Security) Code,’’ said Coast Guard Rear Adm Thomas Gilmour, speaking on the final day of the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention at the Miami Beach Convention Centre.

Cruise ships themselves will be in compliance, said J Michael Crye, president of the International Council of Cruise Lines. He said his member lines have already filed security plans. ‘’We expect to be 100 percent compliant on July 1,’’ he said. “We can’t afford to have our ship itineraries disrupted, and we cannot afford that our passengers not have a good vacation experience.’’ But many foreign ports may not meet the requirements, various experts said, including Charlie Mandigo, director of fleet security at Holland America. “There is much consternation in developing countries that they don’t have the technical expertise or financial ability to do it,’’ said Raymond Barberesi, speaking as US delegate to the Organisation of American States who serves on the Inter-American Committee on Ports. He is also an official with the US Maritime Administration.

If ships are not in compliance or have visited ports that do not meet security standards, the US Coast Guard could take such actions as boarding the ship and conducting a detailed inspection, requiring additional security guards, issuing fines or even denying entry, said Jim Watson, captain of the port for South Florida. Unlike some government-owned ports that may not have the resources or technical knowledge to meet the deadline, the privately owned Turkish cruise port of Kusadasi has hired consultants, completed a port security assessment and developed a plan, said Gregory Kiez, chairman of EGE Ports. Gilmour said the Coast Guard will have teams in place on July 1 in the Netherlands, Japan and Norfolk, Va., to assist foreign ports. And the International Maritime Association will be able to offer assistance.

‘’There is a substantial number of ships and ports that will not comply with the requirements,’’ said Pieter Struijs, vice chairman of the Port of Rotterdam — which he said is in compliance — and president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours. “Let’s not penalise them with penalties.’’