27 September 2001
Text: Coast Guard Has Increased U.S. Port Security Measures
(Officials are not blocking any ships from entering ports) (510)
The U.S. Coast Guard says it is enforcing an array of increased
maritime security measures on all ships entering U.S. ports in the
aftermath of recent terrorist attacks, but it is not preventing ships,
crews and passengers from particular countries from entering U.S.
ports.
The Coast Guard announcement September 27 did not specify which
countries might have been targeted, but said rumors about such actions
were not true.
Following is the text of the Coast Guard announcement, which was made
available by the State Department:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 25, 2001
MEDIA NOTES
Security Measures For Foreign Ships And Mariners
In response to reports that the U.S. Coast Guard was not allowing
ships from certain countries from calling in U.S. ports and preventing
mariners from certain countries from disembarking from ships in U.S.
ports, the Coast Guard has issued the following statement:
Many rumors and false reports concerning the U.S. Coast Guard's
security measures relating to vessels, crews, and passengers arriving
in U.S. ports have circulated in the maritime community and some news
media organizations. The gist of these rumors is that ships, crews,
and passengers from particular countries would not be allowed into
port and that certain crew and passengers for some ships allowed to
enter would not be allowed to leave their ship. These rumors are
false.
The U.S. Coast Guard is enforcing a wide range of security measures on
all ships entering U.S. ports, and these measures may include a
thorough check of crew and passenger lists and identifications. For
instance, the Coast Guard has long required ships arriving from
foreign ports to provide 24-hour advance notice of arrival. These
ships must now also provide a list of all persons aboard along with
the advance notice. This requirement is being applied to all ships
(including US flag) regardless of their country of registry, last port
of call, or the nationality of those on board.
In addition to nationwide measures, each Coast Guard Captain of the
Port (COTP) may employ any security measures they deem necessary to
ensure the safety and security of their particular port. We are
coordinating our maritime security efforts with other law enforcement
and regulatory agencies (such as Customs, Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States
Public Health Service, etc.), which may take actions that affect the
movement of ships, crews and passengers.
Overall security measures may vary from port to port. Any changes in
national policies affecting the maritime industry will be announced by
the Coast Guard through normal channels and news releases as
appropriate. We are certain that ship operators and the maritime
community will continue to work with us to ensure the safety and
security of ships, crews, passengers, cargoes and ports.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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