D.O.T. turns attention to maritime security

Jan 1, 2002 12:00 PM

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has called for provisions to allow the Coast Guard to stop and board ships 12 miles from U.S. shores — replacing the current practice of three miles out.

In testimony before a House Transportation subcommittee, Mineta also called for allowing the Transportation Department to conduct foreign port security inspections. Mineta added that he wants to make permanent a temporary order requiring ships to provide a list of their crew members 96 hours before docking in the United States.

Mineta said the measures are needed to help prevent terrorists from shipping hazardous materials and from using a fully laden ship as a bomb.

“Perhaps the most vulnerable link in our transportation system is the component few Americans ever see: our major seaports,” said Sen. Ernest Hollings, (D-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Mineta suggested that the Coast Guard should be allowed to patrol within 12 miles of the U.S. coast, with the power to stop, board and inspect ships.

The transportation secretary told the House subcommittee that the department would look at the vulnerability of major ports, and that local authorities would be asked to develop their own security plans.

Mineta also said he is looking at technology to make it possible to quickly inspect sealed containers, rather than do an occasional check while largely taking the shippers' word as to the contents.

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