Port security rules get tougher starting July 1

Advertiser Staff

Local port companies and vessels have less than two months to implement new security plans required by federal law, Coast Guard officials said yesterday.

"We're six weeks out from the July 1 deadline and it looks like things are moving forward pretty well," said Coast Guard Capt. Tim Skuby, captain of the Port of Honolulu.

Skuby said most port companies and vessels have begun putting the new security measures in place. The Coast Guard also plans to take additional security measures beginning in July, he said.

Among the new steps:

• All foreign-flagged vessels over 300 gross tons will be boarded by U.S. officials upon their first visit to a U.S. port after July.
• Vessels that don't meet stringent new security precautions will be denied entry.
• Vessels coming from foreign ports not in compliance with U.S. standards may be subject to delays until their security status can be checked.
• Foreign ports will be visited to evaluate their compliance with new U.S. and international security requirements.
• Information will be provided to train port officials in foreign countries to assist with interpretation and implementation of the new rules.