The Maritime Administration has announced a grant program to assist shipyards with capital improvement projects.
Applications are due on February 25, 2008.
January 2008
GAO Identifies Security Concerns with Tankers
By Mark M. Murakami on
The GAO issued a report on federal efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist attack on vessels carrying oil and liquified natural gas (or to use the report’s term – energy commodity tankers).
This lengthy report identifies shortcomings in prevention and response plans, entrusted largely to the U.S. Coast Guard. The GAO recommended that the…
Congress Calls for Proof that Radiation Tech Works
By Mark M. Murakami on
Nuclear Threat Initiative’s Global Security Newswire reports that Congress is pressing for outside scientific analysis of radiation detectors slated for use at the nation’s ports, posted here.
Per NTI’s report, "The new detectors, called Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors (or ASPs), are designed to not only detect radiation but to identify the nature of its…
Port Worker Badges Come to Maui and Kauai
By Mark M. Murakami on
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is coming to Maui and Kauai.
Per the schedule, TWIC enrollment starts Janurary 17 at Kahului and January 25 for Kauai.
RIMPAC and Whales – Impact of California Court Ruling
By Mark M. Murakami on
Star Bulletin editors have stated that the recent ruling, discussed here, has impacts on the RIMPAC exercises off the coast of Hawaii.
Stay Away from the Big Floating Golf Ball – Permanent Security Zone around SBX
By Mark M. Murakami on
The Coast Guard published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the security zone for the SBX while it transits in and around Hawaii waters. The deadline for comment is February 6, 2008.
The SBX is permanently deployed to Alaskan waters, but repairs are conducted at Pearl Harbor. As the attached picture shows, it is quite…
Thar She Blows, No More Pings – Court Enjoins Navy Sonar Use
By Mark M. Murakami on
A federal court in Los Angeles enjoined the Navy’s unrestricted use of sonar off the coast of California. After finding severe risks of harm to marine mammals in proximity of mid-frequency active sonar, the judge: 1) barred Navy ships from operating these sonars within 12 nautical miles of the coastline; 2) required Navy units to…
Cruising to the Mainland – Stop in Mexico Part Dos
By Mark M. Murakami on
In November, I posted the proposed interpretation of Passenger Vessel Services Act which would require a 48 hour stay in a foreign port before ultimately disembarking in a U.S. port. Foreign flagged cruise ships, after leaving Hawaii, would reportedly briefly stop in Ensenada, Mexico before terminating the cruise in California. The text of the rule…
Helping Secure the Homeland – Securitydebrief’s Resolutions
By Mark M. Murakami on
Securitydebrief issued some New Year’s resolutions for securing the homeland, here. Shipping container scanning continues to present a problem owing to: 1) the sheer volume of containers unloaded every day in U.S. ports; 2) the near insurmountable obstacle of inspecting containers at sea; 3) the inherently voracious nature of the U.S. supply chain; and…
What Lurks Beneath – A Call for Underwater Surveillance
By Mark M. Murakami on
As more time allows for a comprehensive review of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed last week, there are some interesting developments.
As noted in by Securitydebrief, Congress approved $400 million for grants to improve the nation’s port security. The increase in concern over port security has led to the use of new technologies to…