COAST GUARD, INDUSTRY GROUPS HOLD CLOSED-DOOR MARITIME SECURITY TALKS

COAST GUARD, INDUSTRY GROUPS HOLD CLOSED-DOOR MARITIME SECURITY TALKS    In a closed-door meeting today in Washington, senior U.S. Coast Guard officials and representatives from numerous international transportation associations will discuss the impact of new antiterrorism measures on the ocean shipping industry.
   The meeting was arranged by Rear Adm. Paul Pluta, the Coast Guard’s assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection. The Coast Guard is designated as the country’s lead agency for maritime security.
   “As the Coast Guard changes to meet these new security needs and expand its activities, this change will, of necessity, affect industry,” the agency said. “Effective maritime security will require a combination of government intelligence, surveillance, regulation, enforcement, and response efforts and the close cooperation, involvement, and participation of the maritime industry.”
   Representatives from the industry invited to the meeting are the American Association of Port Authorities, American Chemistry Council, American Maritime Officers, American Petroleum Institute, American Pilots Association, American Waterways Operators, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Chamber of Shipping of America, Independent Liquid Terminals Association, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping, International Council of Cruise Lines, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, INTERTANKO, Lake Carrier’s Association, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, Maritime Security Council, National Cargo Bureau, Offshore Marine Service Association, Passenger Vessel Association, Seafarer’s International Union, Spill Control Association of America, Transportation Institute, The World Shipping Council, and MTS National Advisory Council.